New year, new thread...

Part 2 can be accessed here - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=628299&page=116

I think you should close the old one :)

I think you should close the old one :)

Or close this one and continue with the old one. I do not see the need for a new thread if threads like Burj Khalifa can have more than 25000 entries.

Guys

What do you call the function of the preparation of an aircraft before takeoff e.g. the refuelling, empting toilets, filling new water, loading new food and loading luggage basically all the ground work while the aircraft is parked at the gate. I’m looking for one word.

Thanx
Phillip

Guys

What do you call the function of the preparation of an aircraft before takeoff e.g. the refuelling, empting toilets, filling new water, loading new food and loading luggage basically all the ground work while the aircraft is parked at the gate. I’m looking for one word.

Thanx
Phillip

Turn around

A bit of a nostalgic moment - dropped off the relatives at the airport this morning, on the drive home I realised that I'd probably just visited Durban International for the last time...

^^ its only january???

^^ I pretty much only go to the airport whenever Little Annoying Sister has her breaks from UCT or the Aussie relatives come over - there's no business travelling for me, and I seldom have time or funds to go away myself. So yes, I don't have any trips to the airport scheduled for around 11 months. :)

haha ok, can we swap? i had 62 visits last year

I'll swap...

eeish I did 34 international flights on Emirates and 57 flights in total for 2009

piff, I had 6 local flights last year, you guys got nothing on my air miles

While we're on the subject, and getting back on topic a little - while my Aussie relatives were over, we were discussing the possibility of Singapore Airlines maybe coming back to Durban. Would be convenient for us and for them, as we'd be able to get to that part of the world without having to go through JNB.

What I was thinking: obviously SQ would retain their direct JNB-SIN flights, but do you think that possibly changing their CPT-JNB-SIN routing to CPT-DUR-SIN would work out for them (if, of course, they do decide to return to DUR one day)?

^^ That sounds like a good idea to me... but it's just my opinion. :)

I have said before, do think seasonal carriers to Cape Town, should do the NOV-APR run to CPT and then switch their seasonal services to DBN from MAY-OCT. Take advantage of both cities' high season periods and times of best weather.

I personally think SIN returning to DUR is a near definate.

If my contacts are correct, besides the middle eastern concern (Emirates, Qatar & Etihad) Singapore was the first Asian airline that wanted to have talks with Dube & ACSA, this was in 2008, when the project just begun. Cathay then also showed brief intrest but pulled out.

In view of information that the 12 air side parking bays are too small for larger aircraft 747's etc .....Is it a practice, or can it be done that one (larger type) aircraft takes up 2 parking bays?

Technically yes (I've seen it done in Sydney when Qantas used a 747-300 for my flight to Perth), but in KSIA's case, I don't think so - photos suggest that those airbridges have very limited vertical movement and no horizontal movement.

I'm now thinking - do you suppose that the gates at the far northern end of the airside corridor would be designed to be used for either domestic or international as required?

^^ yup they probably are

...old news on ECR

Dbn International to close end April

13 January 2010 - 13:17
By Benita Enoch

Durban International Airport will effectively cease to exist from the end of April this year.


Airports company, ACSA, has confirmed this to Newswatch, adding that from 1 May, all flights landing in or taking off from Durban, will be from the new airport at La Mercy.

In October last year, Transport minister S'bu Ndebele said Durban International would only be decommissioned after the Soccer World Cup, so that the city would be able to absorb the influx of passengers expected during the tournament.

But Naidoo says, this is not the case. He adds that all concerns about the new airport's load carrying ability, should be laid to rest.

"Currently, at Durban [International] Airport, we are handling 4.5 million passengers, per annum. The new airport at La Mercy is being built with a capacity to handle 7.5 million passengers.

"We've got a brand new, fully automated baggage system, that's already been installed and tested there. That will cater for all flights, [whether] internationally or domestically.

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=530769&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Dbn-International-to-close-end-April

Some pics of the calibration flights (courtesy of Illembe, all rights being theirs).

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l116/ron2k-za/airport/image002.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l116/ron2k-za/airport/image003.jpg

And... wait for it...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l116/ron2k-za/airport/image001.jpg

...old news on ECR

Dbn International to close end April

13 January 2010 - 13:17
By Benita Enoch

Durban International Airport will effectively cease to exist from the end of April this year.




http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=530769&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Dbn-International-to-close-end-April
Excellent so Ive been through that shit box for the last time

that last pic is stunning, almost looks like somewhere in europe, look at the width of the runway in comparison to the truck on the left...GINORMUS!!!

woah, brilliant pic's Ron! I want more!!!

Thanks for the pics... does look absolutely amazing... Sad thing is, that SA's two smaller international airports will be better than the "Big Chief," yet will get less international flights. Mom just left for ATL, she reported from ORTIA that CTIA was amazing, she was absolutely blown away by how airy and how modern it was... she said ORTIA is not as spectacular; said it's a bit dark and claustrophobic. Said other than the central section of ORTIA which looks cool, she was much more impressed by CTIA. Think KSIA is going to inspire the same reactions from people.

Although, it may be unfair to judge them in the same category, as it is very difficult to create a gorgeous airport, when you have so much old, existing airport to contend with; while CTIA is a new terminal complex almost completely from scratch, while KSIA is all brand new.

That said though, from what I've seen, even ORTIA fares much better aesthetically compared to many many 1st world airports!

Pic 3, facing north or south? ok nevermind figured it out, facing south, can see the Taxiway :bash:

Sanity has prevailed, all hail KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!

New KZN airport named (http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/a975f64206d84806a4cefb3a93881d0f/14-01-2010-10-12/New_KZN_airport_named)
2010-01-14

Durban - The new airport in La Mercy near Durban will be known as King Shaka International Airport, the Geographical Names Council said on Thursday.

"The council is satisfied with the process that has been followed. We have approved the name and the only thing left is for the minister of arts and culture to approve it," the council's Mpume Mbatha said in Durban.

The KwaZulu-Natal department of economic development proposed the name. Spokesperson Bheko Madlala said the department had always maintained the airport should be named after the Zulu king.

"We will now wait for the minister to approve the name."

'X Airport'

The airport had to have a name as it would open on May 2, the council's chairperson advocate Tommy Ntsewa said. Speaking before the council's first quarterly meeting, he joked that if a name was not found, it would be known as X Airport.

The Durban International Airport would be decommissioned after the Soccer World Cup which would take place in less than 200 days. Durban International Airport would be part of contingency plans to handle the influx of visitors during the tournament.

The controversial changing of the name of the northern Limpopo town of Louis Trichardt to Makhado was also back on the table, Ntsewa said.

Mbatha said: "We discussed the matter and it was decided that the council still needs to have a meeting with three groups, the applicant and two other groups before a decision can be taken."

Louis Trichardt was changed to Makhado in 2002 but changed back to Louis Trichardt in 2005 after the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled there had been no proper consultation. The court ruling forced the Limpopo provincial government back to the drawing board.

"Today we have new submissions. We will check if consultation was done," Ntsewa said.

Pretoria, Tshwane issue

After scrutinising the new submissions, the council would prepare its submissions and forward them to Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana, he said.

"We are correcting what the court raised."

The council was also waiting for Xingwana to make a pronouncement on changing Pretoria to Tshwane.

"The council had a meeting in Bloemfontein in 2005 and made a recommendation to the minister to approve the Tshwane name. We are expecting the new minister to make the pronouncement," Ntsewa said.

The council was trying to correct names misspelt or changed during 350 years of colonial and apartheid administration. The names of 19 rivers and areas around Durban were also expected to be corrected.

The city recently approved recommendations by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Geographic Names Committee to correct the spelling of some rivers and settlements in the eThekwini municipal area.

Inanda would be changed to eNanda, uMgeni River to uMngeni, Amanzimtoti to eManzamtoti, Umhlanga to uMhlanga Rocks, Umlazi to eMlaza, Umhlali to eMhlali and Tongaat to oThongathi.
^^We already knew about these, waste of money if you ask me!

Whew! That's a relief!

Looks like Jet Airways is interested in flying to Durbs...

------------------

SAA and Emirates may soon be getting some competition for the lucative India route....

-------------------------------

Jet Airways set to take its flight to South Africa

Tarun Shukla

India’s largest airline by passengers, Jet Airways (India) Ltd, is set to become the country’s first carrier to fly to South Africa.

The airline is also entering into an agreement with Kenya Airways to connect to the northern regions of Africa, coinciding with India’s recent thrust to improve economic diplomacy in the continent.


Eager to start: Jet Airways is keen to start flights to South Africa ahead of the football World Cup, scheduled to start on 11 June. Abhijit Bhatlekar / Mint


An official in the aviation ministry said Jet Airways is keen to begin flying to South Africa ahead of the football World Cup that begins on 11 June.

The official, who didn’t want to be named, said Jet Airways has sought the ministry’s approval to start non-stop daily flights from Mumbai to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city.

“Earlier, we had a clause in the bilateral rights with South Africa which restricted flight for only one carrier to fly from Mumbai,” the ministry official said. “That was lifted some time back. Now anyone can fly (to South Africa).”

Jet Airways still needs a formal clearance from the ministry.

Right now, only Air India and South African Airways connect India to South Africa. Air India doesn’t fly to the country, but it has a code-share agreement with South African Airways, which flies four times a week on the Mumbai-Johannesburg route.

Code-sharing is a ticket-selling alliance that allows travellers to connect seamlessly to destinations on flights of more than one airline.

But there still is a huge potential to be tapped, both in terms of non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin as well as young Kenyans flying to India for studies, said analysts.

A Jet Airways official said the airline plans to initially use the wide-body Airbus A330 planes to fly to South Africa. He declined to give more details.

Another Jet Airways official said the airline has enough spare A330 planes in its fleet to start services to South Africa.

Both executives declined to be named. An email sent to a Jet spokeswoman remained unanswered.

Jet Airways covers at least 18 destinations in South-East Asia, West Asia, Europe and North America.

In the September quarter, Jet’s share of revenue from its international operations had increased to 62% from 12% in 2005-06.

To tap the northern regions of Africa, Jet Airways will enter into a code-share deal with Kenya Airways for flights between Nairobi and India, the ministry official said.

So, while Jet Airways won’t fly to Nairobi, the deal will allow it to sell tickets to Kenya’s capital city.

A London-based aviation analyst said the code-sharing deal made sense for Jet as Kenya is a big tourist destination and a number of Kenyans study in India.

The analyst, who didn’t want to be identified as he’s not authorized to speak to the media, added that Jet’s success in South Africa would depend on whether it can seal similar code-share agreements with other cities such as Durban.

“There is a lot of business opportunity between India and South Africa so Jet will be hoping to fill the front of the aircraft,” the analyst said. “The key to filling the back on a flight to South Africa, however, would be to continue the flight to Durban which has the largest Indian population of any city outside of India.”

About 92,600 passengers flew between Mumbai and Johannesburg in 2007-08, the latest year for which data is available from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In the same year, 157,674 passengers travelled between Nairobi and Mumbai.

tarun.s@livemint.com

http://www.livemint.com/2010/01/14225802/Jet-Airways-set-to-take-its-fl.html

so its JHB then onto Durban not direct like Emirates. It makes its quasi domestic flight in my eyes

i will be flying in on the 30th of may, and back on the 1st of july from london. IS there any reason why the tax in Durban is double of joburg. Go check the saa or ba flights, leaving from durban is double the price as leaving from joburg. Ridiculous i cant believe how expensive it is even with the so called low cost kulula. I have to say there are no direct flights from the uk to durban i have tried booking my flights and there is no option to fly directly even though it is for the period after the airport opens.

i will be flying in on the 30th of may, and back on the 1st of july from london. IS there any reason why the tax in Durban is double of joburg. Go check the saa or ba flights, leaving from durban is double the price as leaving from joburg. Ridiculous i cant believe how expensive it is even with the so called low cost kulula. I have to say there are no direct flights from the uk to durban i have tried booking my flights and there is no option to fly directly even though it is for the period after the airport opens.

If you are talking about the airport tax being double for DUR-JNB-LHR compared to that of JNB-LHR (all booked through SA or BA) it is because you are going through 2 airports in RSA and therefore pay double the airport tax. If not then that is a bit of a rip off.

Also no airline flys Durban to London yet. Until anything is announced you wont find anything available. Another option is Emirates on the London-Dubai-Durban route

question, If only 1 airline opperates internationally out of Durban what will teh international departures areas look like? cant imagine too many shops, cafes open, dont see EK doing a lounge and with no SAA lounge to share it could be rough for people in teh front of the plane.

Any Ideas?

Hey guys,

I'm heading to durbs in March, using the bhx-dxb-dur emirate route. Unfortunately to the old airport as I'm one month short of using KSIA. Anyway, I have an uncle working at the airport, he is the quantity surveyor there, he offered to take me to have a look around, so I might get away with some early pics of in and around the airport. Keep an eye out :-)

Edit: BTW, all these name changes are rediculous! what's with the capital 'M' and low cap 'e' ? Are they trying to go web 2.0?

^^ It's simply the correct Zulu spelling... However, I think spending Millions upon Millions changing an "M" or changing an "I" to an "E", or lower casing an "U" is a little dumb and "nit-picky", when there are people that needs houses, schools, hospitals and roads.

question, If only 1 airline opperates internationally out of Durban what will teh international departures areas look like? cant imagine too many shops, cafes open, dont see EK doing a lounge and with no SAA lounge to share it could be rough for people in teh front of the plane.

Any Ideas?

from the plans, there will be two cafes/restaurants, a book store, 2 speciality stores and a duty free in the international section

from the plans, there will be two cafes/restaurants, a book store, 2 speciality stores and a duty free in the international section

for one flight a day? either they wont open untill some more flights start comming or there are more flights planned and just waiting to anounce. Any lounges?

havent heard if they'll be any lounges hey, so that will be an interesting one, even if they are I wonder where they'll be alocated.

they will probably have the general use lounge ie. Bid Air lounge as they now do in DIA which Ek will use, but if i was a Biz or F class paying passenger and had to go to a bid air lounge, id be pretty pissed off

Just got this email.... Interesting...


Thank you for taking an interest in the Dube TradePort project. The visitors centre is currently open and you are more than welcome to drop by. Please contact Ashle' who will gladly assist you in arranging an appropriate date and time. Her contact details are 032 438 8300.
*
Best regards
*
Leigh-Ann Shaw
Executive Assistant
Dube TradePort

Just got this email.... Interesting...


Thank you for taking an interest in the Dube TradePort project. The visitors centre is currently open and you are more than welcome to drop by. Please contact Ashle' who will gladly assist you in arranging an appropriate date and time. Her contact details are 032 438 8300.
*
Best regards
*
Leigh-Ann Shaw
Executive Assistant
Dube TradePort

That is Super interesting.....so when are we having our Durban SSC meet at KSIA...Saturday, Monday?! :cheers:

make it a Saturday, Mondays are kak for me

we work mondays....

we work mondays....

...Business trip!!:lol:

...so is Switch organising?:nuts:

please organise!!! and include folks this time :)

Its a bit disappointing that flight on Emirates from DIA are still quite a bit more expensive than from ORTI...by just over R1000. I fly out to the UK in Feb and its cheaper for me to get SA Express to ORTI then Emirates out.

....so what's going to happen when KSIA gets off the ground with its increased fees or are ACSA wanting to increase the fees across all airports?

^^ fee's will apply to all airports. The price might be higher from durban due to the currently reduced payload due to runway length, therefore they need to recoup this?

If we pay more surely we should get better planes, spoke to a guy yesterday and he flew out from Durban 4 times so far and during that time also 5 times from ORT, he said that the Durbs flights cost more and they use the shitty planes for the routes whilst the ORT planes arnt the greatest, they are miles better than the one that comes to Durbs.

^^ Problem is, Emirates is restricted to operating the A332 to Durbs until KSIA opens. It's the only thing that can take off from our rather short runway and make it all the way there without having to refuel somewhere along the way.

Emirates running 90% plus on this route so dont expect rates to come down when they change to 777 from KSIA. I supose its the convienece factor of checking in bags once to London, doing 2 fligts instead of 3 etc that people pay the extra for.

I personally would pay for ease of travel

^^ you are probably right. Also they have no competition from Durban and hence can charge more especially if they are so full constantly. I personally would not fly to joburg to go emirates to save R500. I would only fly to jhb to fly direct to london from their if at a reasonable price (or if i need to go into africa). All other travel straight from Durbs is far far easier.

I was privileged enough to be given a tour around the site by one of the Illembe engineers this afternoon. Managed to take a few photos - far too many to post here, but they're all on Flickr here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelerei/sets/72157623255563578/). (I've licensed them under a Creative Commons license.)

I was taken around the perimeter road, around the airside of the passenger terminal building, and along the main access road up to the N2 interchange. Unfortunately, the person who took me did not have clearance to go inside the passenger terminal building itself, so I have no idea how that's progressing. Suppose we'll have to wait for someone to fly out in May. :)

I did manage to clear up three long-standing points of discussion here:

There's 2100m of runway from the runway thresholds to the associated rapid-exit taxiways. In my opinion, and negative posts on Avcom notwithstanding, that's enough for domestic ops.
The increased spacing between two of the airbridges on the Alpha Apron that's often been discussed - that's where the bus gates are located.
The toll plaza on the Durban-bound onramp is unfortunately there. No photo, sorry - was too far away.

^^ toll plaza still does not have official approval so will not be able to operate yet, really doubt they will get approval at all imo.

Pity you could not get inside... try post some pics on here...

some of Ron's pics from King Shaka today, fantastic mate!!!...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4292774703_79b4a45621_b.jpg

The first building going up in the Trade Zone. Apparently a facility for DHL
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4292767053_8333a50ae7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4292771217_f057e3b1b3_b.jpg

The DVOR navigational aid
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4292724339_46a03544fd.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4292717835_1dc9a304fa_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4293426338_871039fa55_b.jpg

Aircraft bay 11 on the Alpha Apron. Notice the bus gate area on the right
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4293417624_861fe430b7_b.jpg

The exit of the passenger drop-off road, with the southern end of the airside corridor on the right.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4293410266_af9d84be94_b.jpg

The southern side of the passenger terminal
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4293403482_5a2c6ff749_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4293436866_0789acef15_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4292687665_3fdc3b93fa_b.jpg

A close-up of an airbridge on the Alpha Apron. These ones will handle short-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 and Boeing 737
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4293422432_7b0a5f85f3_b.jpg

Pedestrian access from the long-term car park to the passenger terminal building
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4293371374_42d2765216_b.jpg

Pretty mean looking air conditioning for the passenger terminal building
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/4292623555_e0e9e35053_b.jpg

The parkade at the passenger terminal building. Has three levels, but it can be expanded upwards.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4293361708_367ca14f02_b.jpg

The northern side of the passenger terminal building. Notice the service road running into the basement.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4293552254_aafb64eb02_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4292777963_eaf4b00284_b.jpg

* removed pic spammage - Mike beat me to it. :) *

Oh, if you're looking to get to the vistors center, you get to it via the site entrance from the R102. Speaking of which, the R102 is an absolute nightmare due to the construction of the dual carriageway - I don't see it being ready before 2011.

Wow! Great to finally see some visuals!
Looking goooooD!! Very nice, love the detail
Very proud of DBN

i personally like the landscaping and all the outdoor areas! I mean lets be honest here, outdoor cafes with a piazza, gardens and water features at an AIRPORT? how many have that? feels more like your local mall in many ways

WOW. Nice pics there, love the landscaping, design, everything, well done durbs

I'm afraid CTIA may loose it's Skytrax Best Airport in Africa award to this little puppy! :( Must say though, this puppy is looking prettier than a fluffy 8 week old Golden Retriever! :)

FANTASTIC pics! Probably the most details we've seen of the exterior. Thanks so much, Ron. You're a star!!

This entire complex is looking great. Will only get better as May nears.

Okay so I have made plans to go to the visitors centre on Monday at 9:00am if anyone wants to join me but I don't think we will be allowed on site so won't be able to get as good pics as Ron did.

After than I think I might go do the professional tour of MM at 11 if anyone wants to do both...?

Okay so I have made plans to go to the visitors centre on Monday at 9:00am if anyone wants to join me but I don't think we will be allowed on site so won't be able to get as good pics as Ron did.

After than I think I might go do the professional tour of MM at 11 if anyone wants to do both...?
If I was in SA I so would've joined you guys! All I have to look forward to is sunshine every couple days. :(

Okay so I have made plans to go to the visitors centre on Monday at 9:00am if anyone wants to join me but I don't think we will be allowed on site so won't be able to get as good pics as Ron did.

After than I think I might go do the professional tour of MM at 11 if anyone wants to do both...?

awesome mate, take pics. Unfortunately i am at work at the time. The stadium tour is awesome! going up the arch this weekend.

Ron you Biscuit!!! looks amazing, i love the colors of the terminal, the red looks awesome with the glass finishes, world class!!!

At this point in time, my unanswered question concerns the airport's IATA code - will it take over DUR from Durban International, or get a new code entirely? This map (http://www.autobleep.com/lamercy4.jpg) that I found on Avcom suggests that KSIA has already been assigned a new ICAO code (FALE).

At this point in time, my unanswered question concerns the airport's IATA code - will it take over DUR from Durban International, or get a new code entirely? This map (http://www.autobleep.com/lamercy4.jpg) that I found on Avcom suggests that KSIA has already been assigned a new ICAO code (FALE).

Maybe KSIA will be assigned the DUR code, and for the month or so that the 2 operate concurrently DIA will be assigned another IATA code. This happened in Bangkok when Surv.....bumi (I have no idea how to spell the new airports name) opened - Don Muang (the old airport, again spelling?!) became DMK (used to be BKK) and BKK went to the new airport.

Just my 2c.

I'm afraid CTIA may loose it's Skytrax Best Airport in Africa award to this little puppy! :(
True! KSIA is looking Amazing- World Class

Truely spectacular!!! From the outside there are no doubts this is the best looking airport in SA. Lets wait for the inside pics...
Im very happy and proud not only for Durban and its people, but for all S Africans.
After the landmark MM stadium, now this materpiece, just brilliant, congrats...:banana:

Hey guys, let us know how the tour goes! :wave:

^^FALE ..... OH DEAR! I hope that is not a sign of things to come!

Damn, got here too late again, wont be able to tour! :bash:

Okay so here is the info I can share. Can't get good pics of the airport from the visitors centre and cannot get access to the site so not great but I did get some info that is of interest.

Aparently there is a small building near the fire and rescue building that is like a mini terminal and will be used for the presidents and VIP. This is where I think the soccer teams will come through. Nice move to build this me thinks.

There is space for 2 hotels in the support zone. No construction has begun. Will have to keep our eyes on this one.

The whole project is made up of 5 phases. Phases 2 should begin in about 6-7 years. Phases 3 will the the completion of the mirror terminal and second runway.

The terminal is about 95% complete. The check is desk are acsa style but stightly different to the old ones. The terminal is design to change with demand so every bridge can be used as domestic on international. Another clever move. 72 check in desks. 31 aircraft stands. 16 airbridges. The office space near the parking is for acsa and airline staff. The 2 code F bridges can be use with two aircraft but me thinks only 3!

During the flight testing they did land the aircraft and apparently the first flight to land on the 1 May is going to be a cargo flight at about 4:00am.

And now for the big one. Apprently 3 other airlines has signed to flight international flight. From what I can gather from past and questioning. This is my guess work.
Virgin to fly to Manchester(need comfirmation from flightplan)
SAA I think are getting scared of compitition finally and I think will be flying to London.
Couldn't think of the 3 new flight but I would guess Air India or maybe BA?

Anyone want to try find more info? Nothing has been announced yet so will have to do some searching!

Great insights there buddy!! thanks for taking the time.

only 72 check in counters? seems a tad too few imo.

Re the fextra international flights... what exactly did they say to you? Virgin would be good and seeing as what flightplan was saying previously this seems a likely option. SAA would surprise me, but it would be fantastic if they did launch and offered the London option. As to the third, i personally do not think it would be BA. It is more likely to be Jet Airways, Qatar or Singapore airlines. Personally i think its a toss up between Jet and Singapore (me preferring the Singapore option from a routing perspective to the east).

Did they mention when there would be any announcements on these flights?

Awesome to hear

Aparently there is a small building near the fire and rescue building that is like a mini terminal and will be used for the presidents and VIP. This is where I think the soccer teams will come through. Nice move to build this me thinks.

You're right, we drove past it on my tour, but my photo of it was all blurry, hence I never uploaded it.

And now for the big one. Apprently 3 other airlines has signed to flight international flight. From what I can gather from past and questioning. This is my guess work.
Virgin to fly to Manchester(need comfirmation from flightplan)
SAA I think are getting scared of compitition finally and I think will be flying to London.
Couldn't think of the 3 new flight but I would guess Air India or maybe BA?

My own thoughts on this:


Given flightplan's previous posts here, Virgin is almost certainly one of the three.
I'm very skeptical about SAA operating out of Durban; they're far too Johannesburg-centric to really care what happens down here. (They only have TWO routes not operating out of JNB: CPT-LHR and CPT-DUR.) Then again, maybe they have plans for the A332s?
There was that article posted not too long ago about one of the Indian carries (Jet, I think it was) doing JNB-BOM and maybe extending that to DUR-JNB-BOM.
I think Singapore coming back is more likely than SAA starting ops here, due to SAA's Jo'burg-centricity. Plus, as I put forward earlier, a CPT-DUR-SIN route may work well for them.
Any thoughts on other European carriers? The page on The Route Shop mentions Frankfurt as a possibility.


So, my feelings for the three carriers are: Virgin Atlantic, Jet Airways and Singapore Airlines. Maybe SAA will indeed surprise us, but I somehow don't think so.

I think SAA London route is possible as currently there are 4 flight a night to London between SAA and BA, hence BA as an option. I thin Jet is very possible. Not so sure about singapore as the oertate a 777 to JHB so demand can't be that great to have another flight.

What about Vigin going to Aus? Wasn't there talk of this?

^^ the only bigger aircraft Singapore could fly to JHB is the A380, so there is most definately demand.

V Australia could look to fly to Durban and connect with the Manchester flight, could work very well actually f planned and marketed well...

we might think that SAA are to JNB "obsessed", but the fact still remains that the DUR-LHR route would be a flagship route and a passenger magnet, so with the new aircraft SAA are recieving why wouldnt they grab the route and hence make big $, it just seems so stupid of them not to show any interest...

but then again if Virgin do a MAN - DUR, this would be huge competition to the LHR-DUR route, and IMO virgin have a better product then SAA

^^ true. but if Virgin do offer the durban - manchester route, SAA would stand to lose even more people on their JHB flights, hence would need to react and launch a Durban route to sustain numbers. Additionally it may be attractive for people in East London, PE and other places to fly into Durban and out than the current JHB routing and may take up the Virgin offer, again to SAA's detriment.

They need to make sure that they dont drop the ball on this one. At the end of the day, if one airline makes a move to counter the Emirates monopoly i am sure many others are waiting and watching from the wings.

I've lost any hope for SAA, since they started flying the a340-2 instead of those 747's I have stayed away from the like the plague, the flight, food and service was embarrassing especially when they commend premium fares. Its great for convenience as it's a direct flight but when you compare it with Swiss for example, it's two worlds apart! SAA are no longer among the elite, they're just another typical African airline, it's a real shame. :ohno:

I flew Swiss a few months back and the journey was painless, on time and overall excellent service wise. Total duration for the flight was 12 hours incl. BHX-ZUR & ZUR-JNB. Personally, I think a European airline should occupy vacancies at KSIA. Leave SAA to domestic, they excel in short haul.

I think SAA are pretty good actually. I used to think they were bad until I flew other airlines. But Singapore still rules.

I think Singapore with fly SIN-JHB-DUR. Hopefully with an A380.

Wonder what they are waiting for to annouce...

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/image006.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/image016.jpg

OK, I wasn't aware that 3 air bridges were used for the A380. So KSIA has the two movable bridges, is this all we require? ...or is the 3rd one required. Would other terminals also only use 2?

^^ Can be done with two - JNB also only has two on its A380 gates. The third does significantly reduce boarding times though (according to Wikipedia, it's 45 minutes with two, 34 minutes with three).

Truly great airport.. Just one thing, why didnt they build two entrance/exit on the airbridges (one in front, one in the middle) like the ones they have in Hong Kong. This way, the passengers can enter and exit more quickly.. They should've done it since they building this brand new.

^^ You mean a dual-airbridge? It's only on the two A380 gates. :)

Truly great airport.. Just one thing, why didnt they build two entrance/exit on the airbridges (one in front, one in the middle) like the ones they have in Hong Kong. This way, the passengers can enter and exit more quickly.. They should've done it since they building this brand new.

^^ Can be done with two - JNB also only has two on its A380 gates. The third does significantly reduce boarding times though (according to Wikipedia, it's 45 minutes with two, 34 minutes with three).

Surprised by the reduction, as in most airports the second airbridge only serves 1st/business - to the vast majority are still going through one.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/image006.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/image016.jpg

OK, I wasn't aware that 3 air bridges were used for the A380. So KSIA has the two movable bridges, is this all we require? ...or is the 3rd one required. Would other terminals also only use 2?

Iv boarded A380 in NYC, LHR and DXB and in LHR and NYC there is only 2 bridges, one top and one bottom. As 1st and business is at top, top one is direct from lounge area, makes really no difference with 2 as they only call premium passengers when they are ready

Wanted - fake passengers for airport

Barbara Cole
January 26 2010 at 03:37PM

Six hundred people are to get the chance to become "fake passengers" at a mass operational readiness trial at King Shaka International Airport and it promises to be a day of drama.

Instead of merely checking in their luggage as departing pretend passengers or arriving from a plane at the R7-billion airport at La Mercy as others will have done before them, their job is to help officials test the airport's emergency plan and fire and evacuation procedures.

And that means that when the alarm is raised, they will have to simulate an evacuation as the entire passenger terminal building is cleared.

The 600 fake passengers will be taking part in an advanced operational readiness trial during March, just weeks in the new airport opens for business on May 1.

Basic trials, involving key stakeholders and their staff airlines, ground handlers and various government agencies like the police as well as the operator, the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), began earlier this month.

But to make the trials as realistic as possible, passengers including those demanding ones are needed.

As the complexity of operations increases, 100 "fake passengers" will be called in to help out at advanced trials every Tuesday and Thursday, with the ultimate test for airport staff being the mass trial operation for 600 passengers.

"We will start recruiting the fake passengers soon. They will certainly have a role to play in ensuring that the opening is a success," said Bongiwe Pityi, Acsa's assistant general manager for airport operations who heads the operational readiness and airport transfer programme.

The plan is that after the last aircraft has landed at Durban International Airport and the passengers have left the airport on April 30, aircraft will relocate to the new airport.

Equipment and resources will be relocated overnight and for most of that week and at 6.40am on May 1, the first plane will take off at the new airport.

Relocating an airport is a "daunting but exciting task," according to Pityi, and to help ensure everything goes smoothly, Acsa has called in a team of local and international experts, including some from the Munich International Airport.

An ongoing familiarisation programme began in November which has involved taking the current 3 400 workforce from the current airport to the new airport. More than 2 000 have already been introduced to their new home.

The new airport is now more than 90 percent complete and although construction is ongoing, the Ilembe Consortium had worked hard to handover 50 percent of the passenger terminal to enable the trial operations to take place, Pityi said. The trials aim to ensure maximum confidence, so that everyone knows where to go and what to do. It is also a chance to identify any problems and iron them out.

"The focus now is to ensure that people are adequately trained and to test systems," said Pityi.

There are more than 50 engineering systems including the automated baggage system and 23 IT systems.

"We have to run this like a military operation. This is still a construction site and we don't want to be a burden," said Pityi.

Source (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100126125655790C321060)

-------

So, where do we sign up? :banana:

I sooo wanna be a fake, dharling!!!! Sign me up!!!!

Sad news...

----------------

Electrician burned at Durban's new airport
Jan 26, 2010 7:15 PM | By NIVASHNI NAIR

An electrician was severely burned at a substation at Durban's new international airport construction site in La Mercy.

Duncan Barry, the project director from the Ilembe Consortium developing the R7-billion airport north of the city, told The Times that two electricians employed by a sub-contractor were in a substation when an electric fault occurred.

It is believed that the man touched a power source and suffered an electrical shock.

"He was airlifted to a hospital. From what the other workers say, he was badly burned," Barry said.

ER24 spokesman Derrick Banks said the man was taken to St Augustine’s Hospital.

"He is in a critical condition. He sustained about 60 percent burns to his body," he said.


http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article278619.ece

Petrol industry ready for World Cup
27 January 2010 - 09:32
By Tamlyn Canham

The petroleum industry says it's ready to meet the spike in fuel demand when millions of soccer fans head to our shores for the 2010 World Cup.

The South African Petroleum Industry Association says a fuel task team's currently working on plans to enure there's enough petrol, diesel and jet fuel during the tournament.

Sapia's Maurice Radebe says the team has a major logistical exercise planned for the event and refineries will be producing at top capacity ahead of and during the soccer showcase.

He says stakeholders including Airports Company SA and the Energy Department are working together to ensure there are not any travel problems for visitors.

ACSA's Collin Naidoo, says Durban's new airport King Shaka International, which is scheduled to open on 1 May will be ready to deal with the influx of visitors to the city.

"We are assured that we will have adequate full to service aircraft that will be using that airport in terms of scheduled aircraft. And certainly we'll accommodate any charter aircraft considering the major events that will be taking place during the 2010 World Cup, especially for Durban around the quarter finals, semi finals and other games."

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=543314&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Petrol-industry-ready-for-World-Cup

^^ Gees!.... I've never been able to fake it......please sign me up to be a fake passenger, Ill even bring my fake Voyager card and demand a fake upgrade! :banana:

ACSA have put up a at PDF of the initial operational readiness trials at KSIA:

http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?pid=3770

thanks, great to see some internals. Sad that the check-in still looks that exposured steel look tho....great to see the level planning and testing involved.

Where oh where is flighplan?

i know mike. im dying to find out some news about Virgin, but hey look on the positive side, maybe he is so busy setting up and planning the route to KSIA that he doent have time to sit on the internet:)

here is the airports tenant list.

The image studio
nike concept store
vodashop renta fone
Mtn
express shades
sweet treat
cosmic candy
jeep
sneakers
tie stop
exclusive books
moda luggage and leather
quicksilver
roxy
link pharmacy
nwj jewellery
bidvest bank
absa
nedbank
std bank
post office
The nail and hair experts
the stables wine estate
woolworths

restaurants and bars

spur
mugg and bean
fego
vida e caffe
news cafe
rjs
kauai
wimpy
milky lane
rhapsodys
cape town fishmarket
the cube bar
keg

Sounds Good!
haha glad to see CT has a representative there ;)
Is milky lane popular in DBN?

A bit disappointing really. Pretty much standard domesitc airport fare.

I like the look of the terminal. I won't get to pass through the Durban Airport when i'm over there though unfortunately!

A bit disappointing really. Pretty much standard domesitc airport fare.

What were you expecting?

I think finding the likes of Quiksilver, Roxy, Jeep, NewsCafe, Cape Town Fishmarket (Sushi at the airport in SA FINALLY!!), Cube bar (which is a new concept by the owners of Cuba lounge in Umhlanga), NWJ, Stables wine estate, a nail and hair salon and a Nike concept store are out of the ordinary for SA domestic airports and is alot better range than i have found on most of my airport travels.

^^ I like the surfwear touch with the clothing tenant mix... Nice Durbanesque touch to KSIA! :)

^^ dude u have to have your boardies for Durbs, maybe they should offer rentals...lol

What were you expecting?

I think finding the likes of Quiksilver, Roxy, Jeep, NewsCafe, Cape Town Fishmarket (Sushi at the airport in SA FINALLY!!), Cube bar (which is a new concept by the owners of Cuba lounge in Umhlanga), NWJ, Stables wine estate, a nail and hair salon and a Nike concept store are out of the ordinary for SA domestic airports and is alot better range than i have found on most of my airport travels.

I guess everything else about this airport has just been so impressive that my expectations were a tad high. Was just hoping for more "new" shops and surprised there's no electronic/photographic store. Hope Cuba lounge does do well - non chain stores do seem to struggle at airports. That and the Nike and Stables stores are the highlights for me. Nice selection of coffee shops so at least I won't have to go anywhere near the Spur!

Stables will be a store and Wine Bar...

A bit disappointing really. Pretty much standard domesitc airport fare.

but like 10000% better than current airport. Not imptressed but not disapointed either. At least there is a strong F&B offer and me thinks there are more there than at CT ?

Signs of future traffic numbers neededing all these outlets

It's official...

---------

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System

Date: 02 Feb 2010

Title: New airport named King Shaka International

By Nthambeleni Gabara

Pretoria - The new La Mercy airport, north of Durban, has officially been named King Shaka International Airport.

After a series of public consultations with relevant stakeholders, the KwaZulu-Natal Government submitted the name to the South African Geographical Names Council.

On Tuesday, Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana approved the airport's proposed name. The airport is expected to be ready for operation in May this year.

Xingwana also approved the renaming of Piet Retief in Mpumalanga to eMkhondo as well as the correction of the spellings of some of KwaZulu-Natal's village names.

Due to technical matters identified late last week, Xingwana has retracted the registration of the Tshwane municipal council name as a geographical feature.

The Ministry has instructed officials to do more work on the matter.

"As government we believe geographical name standardisation is at the heart of our social cohesion project," she said. - BuaNews



http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/10/10020213151001

Just heard the Richard Branson spent the weekend with one of the directors of MTN at his private game lodge. Could somethig be happening?

^^ whats that got to do with the airport?

Is milky lane popular in DBN?

are you for real? its always hot in Durbs, perfect weather for Ice Cream :D

Thanks for the pic's Ron, they're awesome and the place is looking great. Still keen for a site tour, but not just stand from the visitors center!

It's official...
Pretoria - The new La Mercy airport, north of Durban, has officially been named King Shaka International Airport.
http://www.buanews.gov.za/news/10/10020213151001

I motion to rename ORTIA to Jan Smuts International. It was Smuts' land after all... (that great thorny "land" issue)

If you consider the two though, Shaka was pretty much on the B-circuit. Sure, his imperialism drove many nations out of the KZN area and he united a bunch of people (possibly largelly because is they didn't join him they'd be killed or forced to move), but this only really extended to southern/central Africa. Smuts was on the A-curcuit, helping set up the UN. So, Smuts: puts SA on the international map; Shaka: drives people out of SA.

Hmmm... spose we could keep Durban a *regional* airport then since Shaka wasn't exactly an internationalist.

^^ Nice insight... But thought King Shaka a really apt name... although his method was "less-than-orthodox," he was instrumental in creating the Zulu nation.

I was disappointed the ANC was so mean-spirited to wipe much of Jan Smuts off the SA map and deny his contributions to history; he was after all ousted from power by the NATS because he was too liberal and reformist; he was actually way back when, already taking steps to democratize and integrate SA (albeit slowly; but back in those days, the USA hadn't even reached the "civil rights crisis" yet).

He was instrumental in creating both the League of Nations and the United Nations, but because he was Afrikaans, he's an "enemy" of the new South Africa? :ohno: He was the last "pale-male" Prime Minister before that NATS took over and started implementing the legal framework of Apartheid! Know my "South African grandfather" went ape-shit when power changed hands from Jan Smuts... My "Afrikaans adoptive family" was heavily anti-NAT, even way back then.

Sad really that we forget History so quick and lump all into one pot, because they may look the same.

there is a great statue of Jan Christian Smuts in London where is is well respected for his role in WW11 and as annman said the formation of the league of nations.

Sad he is being wiped out by Africnisation . thought there was room for all

Durban's DubeTrade port will not be a white elephant

February 3, 2010

The multi billion-rand Dube TradePort development - which includes the new King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy north of Durban - will not be a white elephant, and those who say it will be need to know the facts before slating the project as a waste of money.

That is the view of Dube TradePort (DTP) boss Rohan Persad and KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, speaking to The Mercury this week.

Their comments come in the wake of criticism of the development in recent months after the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) applied to regulators for a 138 percent increase in airport taxes.

Critics - including JSE-listed airline group Comair and the International Air Traffic Association - largely blamed the new airport for the exorbitant hike and questioned the need for the development.

Last week the regulators declined Acsa's application and instead proposed a 59.9 percent increase for 2010 and smaller increases in later years.

Persad said infrastructure projects on the scale of DTP were an investment in the future, with numerous positive economic benefits.

"Decisions on developing major infrastructure projects such as the new airport and trade port are ultimately made by governments. At the end of the day, the government made the decision and it was up to Acsa and DTP to come up with the funding," he said.

"DTP - which is funded by the provincial government - has put about R2 billion into the project. The new King Shaka International Airport is the anchor component of the broader DTP development, but the project is more than just a new international airport. It's a future 'aerotropolis' in the making and world-class trade gateway for KZN and South Africa with the world."

The project comprises: a new international airport catering for 7.5 million passengers a year; a dedicated cargo terminal airfreight facility with a trade zone offering space for value-added logistics and light manufacturing; an agrizone where high-value perishables will be produced for local and international markets; and a support zone accommodating a number of commercial property developments.

Acsa owns and will operate the airport, while DTP is in charge of the cargo terminal and agrizone.

Last year DTP appointed leading French-based global airport operators World Flight Services to run the cargo terminal.

A joint venture company has been set up between DTP and Acsa to develop the support zone, but DTP is spearheading the development.

Addressing questions about the timing and cost of the development, Persad said: "It is unfortunate that some people have been saying this will be a white elephant without realising this is much more than just a new hi-tech airport. It is a major infrastructural project involving about R8 billion that will have significant growth spin-offs over decades."

"Opening a significant infrastructure project like this, just out of a recession, could give the economy a well-timed boost to enhance our trade competitiveness and export potential."

"If the airport and trade port were built only in 2015 or 2017, they would surely have cost more than three times what is being spent now. It is a worthy long-term investment and is well positioned to take advantage of the new global economic growth powerhouses of China and India."

Mabuyakhulu said: "Far from being a white elephant, we believe the building of the airport and trade port heralds a new economic chapter of prosperity and growth for the province of KwaZulu-Natal."

"Not only will the airport help put the province on a new economic footing, but it is the biggest single investment undertaken here and will change the economic landscape with a cascade effect throughout South Africa."

Mabuyakhulu said the airport would help boost the province as more international airlines would be able to fly in directly.

"It must be borne in mind that the DTP is not only about the airport, but it is also about a cargo airport facility, a trade zone, an agrizone and a future cyberport. All these facilities will boost the province's global competitiveness and have a domino effect in terms of stimulating growth and creating employment."

Persad said the project would give KZN two valuable development nodes: the greenfields airport project in the north and the Durban International Airport site freed for development.

"That's arguably South Africa's most valuable piece of industrial land in the heart of the South Durban Industrial Basin. It was a matter of time before the Durban airport would have had to move. Where in the world will you find an airport so close to major oil refineries and on a former wetland near a massive harbour?" he said.


http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=552&fArticleId=5337814

Construction benefits felt countrywide
February 3, 2010

By SUREN NAIDOO

A study into the impact of construction of the new King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort (DTP) has shown that huge economic benefits are being felt not only in KwaZulu-Natal but throughout the country.

Mike Mabuyakhulu, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, said the study showed that the impact of the project on South Africa’s GDP had been significant, with approximately R8.4 billion generated during the construction phase alone.

The DTP-commissioned study was carried out by Pretoria-based research house IHS Global Insight Southern Africa and published late last year.

“IHS Global Insight was appointed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the economic and socio-economic impact of the construction phase of the DTP project between 2004 and August 2009,” said Mabuyakhulu.

“The study clearly demonstrates that the project has had a major impact on the economy and the creation and retention of employment.”

Rohan Persad, the chief executive officer of DTP, said the study showed that 58 972 jobs had been created countrywide as a result of the development.

Of these, 48 295 had been in KZN and 34 157 in eThekwini.

The proficiency levels were shared among skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled South Africans.

“The study also estimated that had the project not taken place, the average unemployment rate in eThekwini would have been 0.9 percent higher,” said Persad.

“Also the percentage of people continuing to live in poverty in the region would have been 1.4 percent higher."

“It said that approximately R6bn in household income had been generated countrywide as a result of the construction of DTP. Some 26 percent of this amount went to low-income households.”


http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=552&fArticleId=5337828

PLAYA on e TV will be featuring this airport next week.

thought there was room for all

There is room for all, just not for ALL.

Looking back on old records BA & SAA carried 140,000-150,000 pax a year from Durban to London. That's around 200 per flight which is a lot considering restrictions on the number of Durban pax per flight and there was the inconvenience of the stop in JNB. My dad had a collegue based in the UK who flew the route almost monthly and he regularly had flights on the LHR-JNB-DUR route where he'd have to disembark at JNB and catch a domestic flight because the DUR segment was "full". Considering the growth on the SA-UK route since then I would think there must certainly be enough demand for a daily flight. Hopefully soon!

well if Virgin do Manchester and SAA use their brains and do Heathrow, hopefully there will be from May. And if a few carriers have "signed" when will they announce?

if they plan to operate to KSIA during 2010, they would have to start making announcements now in order to start selling tickets

often carriers announce the route like 2 months before start date, so still plenty of time. But yes would like an earlier announcement

Latest update from DTP (source (http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/News/hotNews_19.asp))

-------

Dube TradePort Construction Hotting Up
04 February 2010

With the dawning of 2010, work on Dube TradePort, including the New International Airport, is rapidly gathering pace ahead of the looming completion deadline.

Progress to date:

Primary Runway, Aprons and Taxiways

All asphalt work on the primary runway, the taxi-ways and apron taxi-lanes is complete. Meanwhile, the testing and commissioning of the runway lights and PAPIs is progressing well and a first test flight for ILS has been undertaken.

Passenger Terminal

Final finishes to the Passenger Terminal’s check-in hall are well advanced, while the baggage-handling system has been completed and commissioned.

In addition, all the air-bridges have been completed and the commissioning of the HVAC system is well underway.

The fitting-out of retail shops in the Passenger Terminal is now being undertaken.

Cargo Terminal

The Cargo Terminal building has been fully completed and commissioned.

Tradehouse

The Tradehouse structure is currently almost complete and is progressing on schedule.

External Works and Roads

The final launch of the N2 high-level bridge was successfully completed and landscaping and the development of park areas are now in the process of being finished.

Bulk Infrastructure

The Nyaninga Reservoir is being developed and will, when complete, be capable of providing a permanent water supply to the area.

The construction of both the south and north treatment work facilities is taking shape and remains on schedule for completion.

Control Tower

The Control Tower has been handed over to ATNS.

Trade Zone

The airport-related radar has been successfully mounted and installed on a tower within the Trade Zone.

Support Zone

All Support Zone roadwork and infrastructure development is presently close to completion.

Multi-storey Parkade

The parkade building is complete.

Fire and Rescue Building

Both the fire and rescue building and foam tank structure are now complete.

-------

No photo update from them yet, although I will continue to keep an eye out for it. Hopefully they give us internal shots of the passenger terminal!

Good spot, Ron.

nice new shot showing the full passenger terminal

Uploaded on February 3, 2010
by wilmington66 @flickr.com

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4328052599_033e0f79b8_b.jpg

More info about the tenders for the tradeport

http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/Tenders/Tenders/2010Feb3/Call%20for%20Proposals%20Dube%20City%20and%20Dube%20TradeZone.pdf

Here are some of the pic from the visitors centre. Take 5 hours to upload....

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P1250004.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P1250005.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P1250006.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P1250007.jpg

This one is my favourite, hahaha

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P1250008.jpg

lol, they even permanent markered out the KLM on the side, brilliant...only by ACSA

thanks for the pics... 5 hours to upload??? wtf? did you not resize them?

Lol, I think they ran out of SAA models.

:P

Guys, is there an internationa thread for this airport?

yip there is Pule

lol at the SAA/ KLM plane. So when you go there, is that the only thing you can do? look at the view and see a model of the airport that has a retractable roof? Im gona email Colin & see what he says about a tour.

pathetic not to be able to get the planes right, spend 8 bil and no one could get a proper model plane?

A mate of mine is working on site at the airport, and managed to take a couple of pics in and around the site

http://marcforrest.posterous.com/latest-pics-of-the-new-durban-airport

Thanks for that Marc, saw it on ur twitter feed this morning, was just about to post it :)

thanks for the extra shots...i share your sentiment...cant wait to fly from here. I will actually be flying out of Durban to Berlin at the end of April and back into this airport two days after it opens...

those pics look amazing Marc, from the 1 photo the terminal looks massive, and the landscaping is coming along very nicely

Received these in my e-mail inbox:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l116/ron2k-za/airport/SDC10773.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l116/ron2k-za/airport/SDC10772.jpg

nice...now the job of changing all the airport related signs on the highways around the city...that will be fun... how do you change them over time without confusing people before the opening? Because you cant do them all over night

No matter how good a job they do with signage I think for most of May there'll be a lot of very confused people heading to the wrong airport. Maybe they'll use the electronic boards to tell people they're heading in the wrong direction.
I've got friends who've just booked and overseas trip and were told by their travel agent that their flight in May will still be landing at the old airport as not all flights will go to KSIA :nuts: Perhaps ACSA/airlines need to send a memo to travel agents.

Update from Dube website. Not very good quality....

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/DTP-IJV-PM-XX-G1-B028-03I02L.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/DTP-IJV-PM-XX-G1-C028-03I02L.jpg

No matter how good a job they do with signage I think for most of May there'll be a lot of very confused people heading to the wrong airport. Maybe they'll use the electronic boards to tell people they're heading in the wrong direction.
I've got friends who've just booked and overseas trip and were told by their travel agent that their flight in May will still be landing at the old airport as not all flights will go to KSIA :nuts: Perhaps ACSA/airlines need to send a memo to travel agents.

Yes they will need to update the travel agents as if they mess up, there will alot of pissed off people. Surely people should know its from start of May?? big ads are needed closer to the time

looking better than ever! new signboards, a milestone so to say! (and my 100th post :-D)

The ANTS tower has it's covering and is now a big white ball. Looking good. I'll try get a photo this week!

Check photo updates on previous page

Do you guys know if there is going to be like a big opening event or something?

Another store to add to the list...looks appealling...

Sandwh?ch Deli

http://www.carmenkellydesigns.co.za/files/albums/gallery-1/3d/sandwhich.jpg

Fancy parking...

Intellepark...

The King Shaka Airport will have our integrated Pay on Foot, Variable Message Signage and License Plate Recognition System installed and opens on 1st May 2010 in La Mercy area Durban North.

Looks like the KSIA access roads have been partially mapped on OpenStreetMap. (http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=-29.62646&lon=31.11709&zoom=15&layers=B000FTF) :banana:

The ANTS tower has it's covering and is now a big white ball. Looking good. I'll try get a photo this week!

Check photo updates on previous page

i dont see it?

did you drive by?

This is about as white as the ball will ever be...

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/7f5929a1.jpg

dangerous drive by... :)

nice...now the job of changing all the airport related signs on the highways around the city...that will be fun... how do you change them over time without confusing people before the opening? Because you cant do them all over night

They normally put them up & have them covered.

nice pic by Alan_Jackson on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allan_s_jackson/4064811677/sizes/o/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4064811677_6f1235d0e5_o.jpg

yeah i figured...but what happens when they uncover the new, they need to cover or remove the old...all in one night, all over the city, must be at least 50-60 signs

Got this from acsa...

Dear Sir/Madame

The advertisement about La Mercy trial operations was just for information purposes. Volunteers are from our airport and airline staff however, should we require your services we shall contact you.

Thank you for volunteering your services.

Kind Regards
ACSA Customer Care

Damn! There goes our chance of being volunteers!!! :cry:

oh well...guess we need to wait until may still

WTF, that sucks! & Colin still hasn't replied to my mail :(

Just been through the Tongaat toll plaza and they have their increases listed in the window, the clincher was "King Shaka Ramp - R4" So it looks like it will definitely be tolled...

^^ Excuse the language... but it must be said... sorry Mike...

SANRAL P@esse! :ohno:

expect a nasty court battle there...

expect a nasty court battle there...

Good! SANRAL deserves to be treated like the "Female Dutch Cats" they are... greedy, draconian, community-isolating and always skimping on consultation.

They're actually going to try and go-ahead with Tolling the new Airport?!?!?!

I think I will be taking a drive up that way tomorrow evening with my camera and I will be forwarding that story onto the newspapers and our beloved city fathers.

This is bs! Why does Durban have to be run over with toll roads? :(

I've mapped the R102 side of the airport on OpenStreetMap based on observations on my site tour, past aerial photography of the area, and a satellite image I have dating back to around April/May last year. May not be 100% accurate, but will do until the airport opens and I can head out there with a GPS. :)

Thats balls, clearly stating that no toll roll will be built they go and do it in the sly and will whack the public with it who are blind sighted!

I've mapped the R102 side of the airport on OpenStreetMap based on observations on my site tour, past aerial photography of the area, and a satellite image I have dating back to around April/May last year. May not be 100% accurate, but will do until the airport opens and I can head out there with a GPS. :)

i have no idea what you just said...but thanks i guess :)

Here is an answer to some questions...

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/IMG_0519.jpg

is this bridge within the new interchange?

Yes it is!

I thought it was always in the pipeline to have a toll-road between DUR and the new airport.... no? :dunno:

I think the airport looks awesome and the tenant list is great - good on them! I would have thought that CNA would be there too? Great news about Vida e Caffe. :)

I thought it was always in the pipeline to have a toll-road between DUR and the new airport.... no? :dunno:

They originally wanted to toll the Durban bound ramp from the airport on the N2. The city and province fought this and they said they will no longer build it and now SANRAL have just slipped it in. I dont expect the city to take this lightly.

I think the airport looks awesome and the tenant list is great - good on them! I would have thought that CNA would be there too? Great news about Vida e Caffe. :)

Vida e Caffe have closed down in OR Tambo airport in Joburg, so i dont know if they will definately still be in the mix here.

Vida e Caffe have closed down in OR Tambo airport in Joburg, so i dont know if they will definately still be in the mix here.


Serious??! That's bad! They always seemed to be doing well when I was there.

^^ yup. I think the biggest problem was the size of the store. They basically had too much space in my mind. They need more of a kiosk type setup to succeed

Had to post this due to the stupidity of the journalist. Also look what they say about KSIA...they not saying not flying there as the article would paint. Personally dont think they would as they are hardly pioneering and adventurous carriers... intersting on the lufthansa comment though

SAA: Air France not interested

Feb 19 2010 07:51
James-Brent Styan

Johannesburg- The European Air France-KLM airline group says it has no interest in acquiring a stake in the South African Airways Technical division (SAAT).

Last week South African Airways (SAA) published a tender inviting parties to acquire interests in SAAT and Voyager, two of its subsidiaries.

Air France was mentioned as a party that might be interested in such a state, but the chief executive of that airline, one of the world's largest, on Thursday denied any interest.

Air France-KLM chief executive Pierre-Henri Gourgeon says the airline and SAA are in different airline partnerships. Air France-KLM is in Skyteam and SAA belongs to Star Alliance.

He says it is difficult to go outside one's partnership to buy a stake in another airline. As an airline it has to contain expenses, and a stake in SAAT is thus not something his company is currently considering.

Gourgeon was in South Africa to welcome Air France-KLM's first Airbus A380's arrival in Johannesburg from Paris.

The Johannesburg-Paris route is only the second route on which the airline is using this massive aircraft. Paris-New York was the first.

The Airbus A380, which can carry 538 passengers at a time, replaces the two A300-Air France-KLM aircraft that have flown the route every day.

Gourgeon also had bad news for the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa). He said that Air France-KLM had no plans to fly A380s to Durban in the near future.

One of the reasons why Acsa was building the new R6.8bn airport at La Mercy was precisely to handle these wide-bodied aircraft. Really? thats why it was built?

Gourgeon says there are too few passengers to justify an A380 flight to Durban. No one denies that

Meanwhile, Chris Hlekane, Acsa's A380 manager, says only one other airline has so far confirmed A380s flights to Johannesburg.

That is the German airline Lufthansa, he explains. No fixed date has been given, but A380 flights would certainly start before the World Cup soccer tournament.

Idiotic journalist....

Serious??! That's bad! They always seemed to be doing well when I was there.

^^ yup. I think the biggest problem was the size of the store. They basically had too much space in my mind. They need more of a kiosk type setup to succeed

From vida website

” Dear Customers : Our OR Tambo Airport branch is undergoing renovations and will be closed for the next three weeks.We apologize for the inconvenience.We look forward to seing you soon when we open again Obrigado!”

From vida website

” Dear Customers : Our OR Tambo Airport branch is undergoing renovations and will be closed for the next three weeks.We apologize for the inconvenience.We look forward to seing you soon when we open again Obrigado!”

Oh that sounds better - when I went through ORTIA it was like an oasis - so I am glad it will reopen!

still think its disgusting that they dont show the prices on their boards though

Approaching the airport turn off

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/21022010161_1_1.jpg

The dreaded Toll Plaza Construction (I think)

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/21022010162_2_1.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/21022010163_3_1.jpg

Old bridge has been removed
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/21022010164_4_1.jpg

thanks for the shots . was the n2 closed thru there today?

No....not Sunday, but it was closed on Saturday.

I still dont get the construction in the first pic, closest to the river crossing. Are they adding to that bridge too?

make it 3 lanes? could be. depends on the number of lanes on the off ramp to the airport. Lots of trucks will be using it so I'd say 2 lanes is a minimum.

This is my drive by shooting...

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220001.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220002.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220003.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220005.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220006.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220008.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220009.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220010.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220011.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220012.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220013.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220014.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220015.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220016.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2220017.jpg

ACSA has published a KSIA familiarisation booklet. Here's a link (http://www.acsa.co.za/Tools/Documents/DocumentDownload.asp?FileID=6522) to the PDF version. A lot of nice information on the airport inside. :)

so the toll is on the N2 feeder onramp?

King Shaka airport 90% complete
23 February 2010 - 09:07

Author: Tamlyn Canham

Construction at the new King Shaka International Airport is more than 90-percent complete and officials say it's all systems go ahead of its opening in May.
The new airport will replace Durban International as the main airport in KZN.

The last flight will depart out of Durban International on April 30. After that, all operations will move to King Shaka.

Colin Naidoo who's with Airports Company SA says their construction and operational readiness is on track for the May deadline.

He says they're working on a number of processes to ensure they're ready for the opening.

"At the moment we are doing trial operations which includes having fake passengers where we're going to use actual passengers on a daily basis to see how our systems work.

"We have done familiarisation training with all our staff from the old airport, so they are familiarised with the airport and its surroundings. We have done major testing on most of our equipment to bring us up to speed in terms of our readiness. We're quite confident that we will meet the deadline"

Meanwhile, police minister Nathi Mthethwa will visit King Shaka later today to inspect the airport as part of his department's ongoing inspections of points of entry.

Officials will brief the minister on airport management and some of the security measures in place.


http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-mobile-news?oid=570331&sn=Mobile+news+detail&pid=171901&King-Shaka-airport-90--complete

so the toll is on the N2 feeder onramp?

Yeah its weird....!

So If I drive North to Richards Bay, No Toll?

...and all those international travelers are going to be forced get foreign exchange so they can pay the R4 toll going to Durbs. Hmmm, that would just encourage N2 U-TURNS on the northern side of these on-ramps.

So If I drive North to Richards Bay, No Toll?

You will then get "caught" by the Tongaat toll plaza, 5km's to the North. It seems the only way you wont get tolled is if you drive from Durban to the airport, but if they are tolling the Southbound traffic then there must be a toll for the Northbound traffic to the airport as well ?

I think SANRAL will get a rocket for this one..

Its BS.. as far as I know they weren't given permission to toll KSIA traffic...

ACSA has published a KSIA familiarisation booklet. Here's a link (http://www.acsa.co.za/Tools/Documents/DocumentDownload.asp?FileID=6522) to the PDF version. A lot of nice information on the airport inside. :)

Very interesting to where the shops are going to be. I hope the outdoor area will be well supported. It's a really nice idea but will need to be well integrated with the rest of the airport if passengers are going to use it. It's on the arrivals level so unlikely to be used much by pax waiting for their flights.

Why not? durban has some of the highest meeters and greaters anywhere in i world. its easy for them and a gd setting. you have to go down a level at ortia and it does well. also there are escalators from the check in area down into the mall area

http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/3dd46aa45e924e1692cb8ce1f88aeb71/23-02-2010-09-19/First-class_security_at_airport

First-class security at airport 2010-02-23 21:19

This emerged during an inspection of security measures at the new airport in La Mercy, outside Durban, on Tuesday by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

"This airport will have the best latest security technology," said Airports Company SA general manager of Durban international and national airports Terence Delomoney.

"It will have state-of-the-art X-ray screening machines which will make it easy to detect items that should not be taken through," he said.

Not using old security

The new airport would not use the old security equipment used at the Durban International Airport, he said.

"What will also make the new security more reliable is the fact that there will be proper monitoring which we do not have at the current airport."

Mthethwa said security measures were already in place at the new airport and about 50% more police officers would be deployed there than were stationed at the Durban International Airport.

The new airport was three times bigger than the Durban International Airport and had many access points, he said.

KwaZulu-Natal will use the existing Durban International Airport and the new international airport at La Mercy during the World Cup in June.

Durban International Airport will be decommissioned after the World Cup.

No drug traffickers

Mthethwa said the new airport had a big police station with cells where people caught trafficking drugs and carrying unwanted items would be locked up.

"People who are planning to use this airport to traffic drugs or [commit] any other crimes must know that we are waiting for them," he said.

The inspection was also attended by Thula Bopela, the chairperson of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, which would also be involved in ensuring airport safety through the employment of security guards.

On Tuesday, workers busied themselves making finishing touches to the airport's landscaping. The runways and the airport complex have been completed.

The road linking the airport and the N2 is almost complete and the R102 road to the airport is also under construction.

So are we getting the full body scanners? :naughty:

Ok.. its official... just seen the Toll Tariffs for 2010.

SANRAL will be tolling the KSIA road... :(

Class 1 : R4
Class 2 : R8
Class 3 : R12
Class 4 : R16

This is complete bollocks if you ask me.. Going to be writing to the newspapers about this one shortly... just need to find the article where SANRAL were told to sod off initially.

R4 not too bad better than R7 on N3 Toll in Mirianhill.

... just need to find the article where SANRAL were told to sod off initially.

I think this (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20081203053211236C738750&singlepage=1) is it. ;)

when does the first real plane arive and play aound here, not these lawnmovers with wing jobbies

Why thanks Ron :)


R4 not too bad better than R7 on N3 Toll in Mirianhill.

R4 isn't bad.... I will admit that..

BUT its complete BS that SANRAL have unilaterally decided to build a tollroad and make our airport the only major airport in the country that is tolled. I'm sick and tired of living in a province that SANRAL feels should be the one to get the majority of the tolls.

I will be writing a letter to the newspapers and the municipality and SANRAL regarding this issue during the course of the next few days.

Give them horns

when does the first real plane arive and play aound here, not these lawnmovers with wing jobbies

Im landing my personalised pimped out Hercules C-130 in March, need to find a parking spot for that bad boy.

back in reality, they said they will be testing large cargo's planes in mid March, now not sure what they mean by "large" whether they just those B737's or maybe Antonov 225 , Im not to sure.

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt146/michaelrobert/P2250012.jpg

Interesting article written on 24 February 2010

The countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has begun in earnest and the spotlight begins to fall on the venues as soccer fans from around the world check out the destinations from where their favoured teams begin the adventure which they all hope will lead to the Final in Johannesburg’s Soccer City on July 11th.

Durban is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal province and the third largest in South Africa with a population of almost 3.5 million. Located on a huge natural lagoon with the warm seas of the Indian Ocean lapping on its shores, with its golden beaches and its diverse culture, Durban is one of South Africa’s most exciting places to visit. The famous Golden Mile provides many opportunities for swimmers, sun worshippers and surfers and has lots of other attractions including uShaka Marine World and the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. Winter days in sub-tropical Durban are warm and sunny and the nights tend to be cool and breezy.

Durban’s newly built 70,000-seater Moses Mabhida Stadium is truly a world class venue. The stadium has an arch reminiscent of Wembley stadium and a cable car ascends to a viewing platform 106 metres above the pitch to reveal spectacular views of the nearby shoreline and the city. The stadium will play host to Five Group Matches, one Round of Sixteen Match and one Semi-Final from June 13th to July 7th.

Germany and Australia get the ball rolling at 20:30 on June 13th in their Group D match. On June 16th Spain and Switzerland take centre stage with their Group H match kicking off at 16:00. This is followed on June 19th at 13:30 by the Group E match between Netherlands and Japan. Nigeria and South Korea play their Group B match at 20:30 on June 22nd. The final Group match takes place on June 25th when Portugal and Brazil meet in a Group G encounter at 16:00.

On June 28th at 16:00 the winners of Group E play the runners up in Group F in a Round of 16 match.

Finally at 20:30 on July 7th Durban plays host to one of the semi-finals.

King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) which is set to replace Durban International Airport is due to be completed by the end of 2009 (two months before this was written) and is expected to open May 1st 2010 in time for the influx of World Cup fans. It is located at La Mercy, approximately 35 kilometres (21 miles) north of the city centre.

The distance from Durban to the other World Cup 2010 venues is as follows:

Johannesburg 598 Km, Polokwane 929 Km, Rustenburg 711 Km, Bloemfontein 670 Km,
Cape Town 1660 Km, Port Elizabeth 927 Km, Pretoria 656 Km, Nelspruit 689 Km.

Really didn't know that Bloem was further from Durban than JHB!!!

but Bloem is further from Durbs than JHB

but Bloem is further from Durbs than JHB

I don't know if it is further in a straight line, but driving, yes... makes sense, as you have to drive all the way around Lesotho.

Why thanks Ron :)




R4 isn't bad.... I will admit that..

BUT its complete BS that SANRAL have unilaterally decided to build a tollroad and make our airport the only major airport in the country that is tolled. I'm sick and tired of living in a province that SANRAL feels should be the one to get the majority of the tolls.

I will be writing a letter to the newspapers and the municipality and SANRAL regarding this issue during the course of the next few days.

You are making a big mistake - all the freeways leading to OR Tambo airport will become toll roads before the end of this year at a rate of at least 50c per kilometer. In Gauteng you will pay for the distance you travel, so from the airport to Pretoria will cost about R20 and to Johannesburg (East Gate) about R8. To Sandton following the Eastern Bypass will cost also about R20.

^^ Ah, where is a place that actually uses taxes to maintain city roads and freeways?! ;) SANRAL must piss off. If this is the way our roads will be run, fuel levies should be scrapped. :yes:

I disagree, the public should moan and kick up a major fuss if they perceive a government injustice. Mediocrity breeds contempt.

got this in the mail from Kulula, you can just see how bitter they are

Attention, attention! Calling all fans using Durbs Airport

This is just a friendly reminder that as from the
1st of May 2010, all flights to and from Durban International will operate out of King Shaka International Airport north of Durban. As we've mentioned before, we don't agree with the Airports Company of South Africa's (ACSA) idea to spend more than R7.5 billion on building a new airport far out from the existing one, when simple upgrades to Durban International Airport would not only have saved our tax payer money, but would not have caused anyone the great inconvenience we are now faced with because of this move.

Anyhoo, unfortunately we are being forced to move to the new airport and we'd just like to remind you that ALL flights from the 1st of May 2010 will fly to/from the new King Shaka International Airport. Don't forget to allow yourself some extra time to get there if you are departing from the airport, and remind your chauffeur service (aka. spouse, family member, friend etc) about the new pick up point.

Really didn't know that Bloem was further from Durban than JHB!!!

Yip drive is about 7 hours.

You are making a big mistake - all the freeways leading to OR Tambo airport will become toll roads before the end of this year at a rate of at least 50c per kilometer. In Gauteng you will pay for the distance you travel, so from the airport to Pretoria will cost about R20 and to Johannesburg (East Gate) about R8. To Sandton following the Eastern Bypass will cost also about R20.

Ahhh but they're tolling the main freeway between JHB and Pretoria and if I'm not mistaken, you can still get to OR Tambo without having to pay a Toll... whereas with KSIA, you HAVE to pay a toll.

Also correct me if I'm wrong, by law they have to provide a free route if they're going to toll a road?

got this in the mail from Kulula, you can just see how bitter they are

I don't understand Kulula, our little Durban airport has always needed to be bigger. Everyone knows that it was always cramped and not really a nice place to be stuck :lol:

Ahhh but they're tolling the main freeway between JHB and Pretoria and if I'm not mistaken, you can still get to OR Tambo without having to pay a Toll... whereas with KSIA, you HAVE to pay a toll.

Also correct me if I'm wrong, by law they have to provide a free route if they're going to toll a road?

There is a free alternative! In Fact in future upgrade there will be two free alternatives.

I think it sucks to have tolls but I live on the North Coast and have been paying tolls for more than 10 years so I don't have a problem with them putting up a toll, we are using the same road after all. Just don't think the process was right.

Is there a free alternative?

I was under the impression that one had to use the N2 to get into and out of KSIA atm....

I know they're planning on connecting to the "beach" road.. but that its not in place yet.

^^ Yeah, you'll be able to use the R102. However, based on my recent experiences of that road, I'd avoid it until the upgrades are done if you want to get to the airport in a hurry - and you're probably looking at another year before that's done.

ACSA faces competition complaint over new Durban airport

BUSINESS DAY ONLINE Published: 2010/02/26 01:58:30 PM

“ACSA’s own documents in the public domain show that they never intended to open another airport in Durban until at least 2017 or 2020 as the traffic growth did not justify it.” - Papers before the Competition Commission.

An official complaint against the Airports Company of South Africa has been lodged with the Competition Commission of the Republic of South Africa.

The complaint was lodged by a private citizen, Mr Mark Young of Durban.

It is in response to what he feels is the anti-competitive manner in which ACSA intends to remove the current Durban International Airport from the market in order to force airlines and consumers to use the new La Mercy Airport.

Even then, their documents show that they intended to operate both airports in order to properly service the KZN region’s projected air traffic needs at that time. This is why they carried on investing in the current site until recently.” says Mark.

The main thrust of the complaint lodged by Mark with Commissioner Ramburuth is based on the fact that ACSA has said that it intends to shut down the current airport and insist that the site is used for non-aviation purposes in the future. This will leave carriers and the public no choice but to use the new airport – which for many travellers is not at a convenient location.

What is more the proposed new service rates at La Mercy appear as though they may be more than 100% above the current charges at the existing airport.

“This means that ACSA is, in effect, forcing the airlines and the public to help them pay for a facility they did not intend building until it was economically wise to do so. To try and balance the books they are, in effect, removing the lower-cost option from the market in order to ensure that the airlines and the public have to support their decision by paying higher fees at the new location. This is a questionable tactic by a private company let alone a parastatal one that came into existence through the use of public funds and assets,” says Young.

Young says that the high-handed response to the possibility of competitors wanting to enter the market provided a spur for this action. “Despite the fact that local domestic airlines have reportedly offered to purchase the airport as a going concern, ACSA has been forthright in (Page 2 of 2: Private citizen takes ACSA to CompetitionCommission) refusing to allow any competition to their new airport.

Even the Rt. Hon. Minister of Transport has been quoted as having said that competition for La Mercy cannot be allowed as it is ‘…an expensive asset.’ If the quotation attributed to the Hon. Minister is correct then both ACSA’s conduct and the line taken by the Rt. Hon. Minister is – on the face of it - in violation of the act under which ACSA was established as well as previous and current competition laws.”

In his complaint to the commission Young has pointed out that ACSA is, in his view, abusing their position of dominance to limit the entry into the market of new airport operators in Durban. “By deliberately closing the aviation operations at the current airport they are intentionally taking capacity out of the market. Based on their own documents this means that they will one day have to build another airport to fully service the area. Thus two airports will be needed in the region within another decade anyway.”

Young is open to the possibility that ACSA may argue that any competitor is free to build their own airport if they wish. “Such an argument would be disingenuous.” he says. “Firstly, the barriers to entry for anyone wishing to build a new scheduled domestic airline airport anywhere in South Africa are formidable. I would wager that for anyone to try such a project in the Durban area would probably be impossible.

Additionally, to destroy a fully functional facility merely to keep potential competitors away from the ball for longer – or to deter them altogether – is not what the spirit of the competition law is about. This current cusp of circumstance presents the only possibility for the Commission to permit another operator to enter this market and to provide the public of KZN with a choice of airport. This choice is available to the public of Gauteng where Oliver Tambo International and Lanseria co-exist with one another and offer choice and competition in the scheduled airline market.

Internationally such an example is provided in London where the British Airports Authority was made to sell London Gatwick to permit competition and consumer choice.”

“Selling off the existing Durban International Airport as a going concern provides a solution to the competition issues. Additionally it will serve to create more jobs in the aviation business in the greater Durban region rather than putting many people out of work. It is also a counter to arbitrarily forcing the travelling public to use a less convenient and more costly option when travelling domestically on scheduled airline flights.” he concludes.


http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=94847

alot of factual inaccuracies in that submission...would not be surprised if the arrogant comair have a role to play in it behind the scenes.

All I can say is Mark Young is a doos.. whoever he is...

The new airport is needed, and 2 airports for Durban? That wouldn't be needed for a DAMN long time.

Why are some people just so stupid.

Firstly the new airport is a white elephant...

Now they want two airports?

And the new airport is "for many travellers is not at a convenient location!"
What about all the travelers who were inconvenienced in the past and are happy to have the airport closer? This is not even an argument. As discussed earlier, where the airport is situated does not mean you won't fly! This is such an annoying argument, I want to go to court with this guy and argue with him!

^^ Whilst I want ACSA to have their monopoly broken, this broken record argument KULULA and other naysayers have about KSIA is getting sickening. How anyone can realistically think a city of 3.5million can commercially thrive with an airport that can't handle long-haul flights and has almost no room for proper expansion is a bloody fool.

i agree its becomin sickening. is there a way we can reply to kulula? give them a piece off all our minds to show that they are pretty much on their own in their thoughts

Can not believe the difference in costs for taxi fares these days , got a taxi to DIA last week on way to Abu Dhabi, 500 bucks one way, well 470, tip by the time the poor driver admits to not havng change, few months ago 400ish. Ahh, AD airport to town 140, brand new camry as opposed to jalope from 80z. So grand round trip, more expensive than domestic ticket to Hub airport JHB.:ohno:

Wonder who regulates taxi fares, must find out as i suspect a metering issue could be exposed, what with tolls, departure taxes , taxi fares, parking fees to come, we will need someone with a conscience to maintain cheap airtravel experiences.

:cheers:

PD.

If you were a smart cookie and used a set executive taxi that charges a standard rate you would pay R300

salutations,

fortune cookies pass it on to their client +25%

^^ sadly you have never been our smartest

Mike... may I? :cry:

how did he get back here...

salutations,

fortune cookies pass it on to their client +25%

now be sure to write that down some where, at your age you might forget it for the next time ;)

Sundays paper had a nice article on the bird watching system and radar for the airport.

For those that are interested I have here a link to a KMZ file for the Google Earth software. It will track in real time most large commercial aircraft in KZN including Flight number, height, speed, direction and track. The antennae is based near Hilton in PMB and is the info is fed publicly to the net by Amateur Radio station ZR5S.

So the station operator reckons that he should be able to track any large format aircraft into and out of KSIA (even better than DIA). So on the 1st of May, if you cant make it to KSIA, we should be able to real time track the flights and zoom around the flight paths in Google earth's 3D environment

Here is the file....I dont know how to share it for longer, so its only available for download for 7 days. You should be able to see traffic to and from DIA at the moment, try changing the angles etc for a 3d view of the pilots flight....its pretty cool!:)

The KMZ file
https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=RmNDcXlpeFU1aWJ2Wmc9PQ

Google Earth software free here:
http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html

SAA535 Entering DIA Airspace
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/Leftfoot1/SAA535.jpg

Awesome thing

Awesome.. think I'll give this a bash later and see whats what.

I can't get it to work. What must I do?

I can't get it to work. What must I do?

You have a PM

You have a PM

A what?

^^ Private message, mate. :)

Friend of mine is currently on site working on installing the ILS sytems etc. They apparently don't see the airport being ready by 1 May...

Friend of mine is currently on site working on installing the ILS sytems etc. They apparently don't see the airport being ready by 1 May...

Hmmmm, there minister of transport has been throwing the 1st May around like it's a "given". Are we in for a long delay then according to him? Does anyone know when the first scheduled flights (ones that you can book) are from this airport?

I love KSIA - I think Kulula are small minded and bitter and misguided - they will still eat their words and a generous portion of humble pie - get a life Kulula! Shame on you.

Does anyone know when the first scheduled flights (ones that you can book) are from this airport?

Presumably you'd just book a flight to or from "Durban" and if it's to the new airport, great, if it's the old airport, hard luck :(

Also, is the airport code going to stay DUR?

signol

i really do not think thy will be allowed to miss the deadline. all emails we have recieved state the close of leases at the current airport on 30 april

Yip DIA will close on 30 April, got confirmation email from my cousin at ACSA, his in IT so cant get much info for me :(

Upsurge sees nearly 10-million visiting SA

JULIUS BAUMANN Published: 2010/03/05 07:05:09 AM


SA POSTED an unlikely increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the year to December 31, recording a 3,6% rise from 2008 to 9,9-million.

This improvement comes in a year in which many economies around the world slumped into deep recession and the global tourism industry declined more than 4%.

“We cannot deny that as a destination we saw declines in 2009 from some of our key markets in Europe and North America. But I am very encouraged by the signs of recovery that we have begun to see in the figures for December,” Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said yesterday.

Despite a pickup in numbers late last year, overall visitor numbers for the year from Europe and the US, SA’s traditional markets, plummeted. Over the 12 months 8,5% fewer tourists arrived from the US while European visitor numbers fell 4,1% to 1,34-million.

Within Europe, Germany was one of the worst performers, with 11,6% fewer tourists visiting the country, falling to 210917 tourists. Arrival numbers from the UK, SA’s other big tourist market, were flat at 486692. Van Schalkwyk said the British and Irish Lions rugby tour last June helped prevent the numbers from falling dramatically.

“It must also be remembered that SA has strong historic ties with the UK which ensured that travel to SA continued even during these tough times,” he said.

Van Schalkwyk said that while SA’s traditional markets showed sharp falls last year, new markets such as India and China performed well. India recorded growth of 17,5% to 61007 visitors and visitors to SA from China rose 12,4% to 45326.

“The new King Shaka Airport in Durban will become an important gateway to SA for the Indian market and we are working hard to create extra capacity between Durban and India,” Van Schalkwyk said.

SA Tourism’s chief marketing officer, Roshene Singh, said SA Tourism would continue to focus on these two markets and would open an office in China.

Other growth areas were Africa and South America. Overall arrivals from Africa rose 5,7% to 7,7-million visitors while South American visitors climbed 3,5% to 65211.

Within the continent, the fastest- growing markets were Angola, Nigeria and Kenya. Visitor numbers from Angola climbed 8,9% to 39207, Nigeria rose 4,7% to 45527 and Kenya was up 4,7% to 28196.

SA Tourism will increase its focus on Africa this year, growing its marketing spend on the continent from R30m last year to R55m this year, with special attention to Angola and Nigeria.

Angola is a particularly important market as visitors from the oil- rich country spent more money in SA, R24000 per visitor on average, than any other visitor .

Singh said new flights between SA and South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, had resulted in growth. Argentinian visitors grew 23,5% to a little more than 10750 and SA Tourism believed the World Cup would be key to further growth. “While our target of 10-million visitors in 2010 seemed unlikely halfway through 2009, we are now again confident we will reach it.”

baumannj@bdfm.co.za


http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=95386

I can't wait to depart from and arrive back at KSIA in June :D

By the way, what happens if you depart DIA in April sometime and only return mid-May, only to find that you've landed at KSIA and left your car at DIA? :crazy: lol.

I can't wait to depart from and arrive back at KSIA in June :D

By the way, what happens if you depart DIA in April sometime and only return mid-May, only to find that you've landed at KSIA and left your car at DIA? :crazy: lol.

well, they have to pay for KSIA some how man.:lol:

I can't wait to depart from and arrive back at KSIA in June :D

By the way, what happens if you depart DIA in April sometime and only return mid-May, only to find that you've landed at KSIA and left your car at DIA? :crazy: lol.

Maybe they will close the parking a month before?

well, they have to pay for KSIA some how man.:lol:

Lol, and now we know how they do :lol:

Maybe they will close the parking a month before?

Yea most probably. It's going to be an inconvenience though!

as per the newspapers and the official communication from the airport..they will run a free shuttle service from the new airport to the old airport for one week after ksia opens. thereafter you have to find your own way to the ok airport at your own cost. lets be honest, its your own stupidity if u leave your car at the old airport for longer. and if u are going away for a long period u are mad to leave ur car at the airport at r45 a day.

Hmmmm, there minister of transport has been throwing the 1st May around like it's a "given". Are we in for a long delay then according to him? Does anyone know when the first scheduled flights (ones that you can book) are from this airport?

If you go onto www.caa.co.za you will see that all the paper work for the decommissioning of the old airport on the 1 May. So don't think there is any chance it is going to be delayed. We have all seen photo's of the airport finished and being test and that was last month. There is just under 2 months until they open!! The only thing we are waiting for is the completion of the roads. I think the N2 will be done soon... Not sure about the other side.

YAY for KSIA

The new airport will definitely open on May 01. Don't believe the doomsayers and the rumour-mongerers. If there is going to be a delay, there will be an announcement well ahead of time.

----------------

Come May, new airport will be 100% ready
08 March 2010 - 09:51
Author: Tamlyn Canham

When the new King Shaka International Airport opens its doors to the public in May - it'll be ready for business.

That's the word from Airports Company SA which says it's pulling out all the stops to ensure that the La Mercy airport opens without any glitches.

King Shaka will replace Durban International as the main airport in the province, with the last flight departing from Durban on the 30th of April.

ACSA's Colin Naidoo says trial runs using fake passengers began last week.

They've tested the new venue's checking-in, boarding and baggage retrieval systems.

Naidoo says a massive exercise - using 600 fake passengers - will be conducted in about two weeks to make sure the airport is able to deal with the influx of heavy traffic.

"The staff that are actually using the check-in counters and processing these passengers now have fully established understanding of the new equipment that we are using.

"The people that we are using as fake passengers -- we've got them through schools and various other institutions -- have quite a strict programme and we'll continue that until we are quite satisfied for the opening."


http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-mobile-show-biz?oid=586435&sn=Mobile+news+detail&pid=171904&Come-May--new-airport-will-be-100--ready
---------------------

Good to see Colin on the job putting these morons in their place. Heard plenty ongoing rumors about it being delayed by 3 weeks. With an airport you cant have a margin for error. Dube and ACSA have allowed themselves a leeway of a month, meaning that the airport is basically complete by the end of March but minor testing & that will be going on to sort out the retail outlets and so on.