Airports Company South Africa, owner and manager of South Africa’s nine principal airports, has signed a cooperation agreement with Mitteldeutsche Airport Holding. The strategic partnership will involve the exchange of information and individual expertise along with cooperation in the field of customer acquisition.

The signing of this agreement follows the recent creation of a cargo management division at O.R. Tambo International Airport, affirming Airports Company South Africa’s commitment to implement its cargo strategy.

“This strategic partnership will provide industry-leading guidance in developing the company’s cargo business model and approach,” said Tebogo Mekgoe, COO of Airports Company South Africa.

South Africa’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is the largest air cargo hub on the African continent. Its economic stability, combined with a reliable and stable legal framework, has contributed to the growth of various industries. The airport handles nearly 400,000 tonnes per annum.

“Given the centrality of air cargo to the automotive, electronics, telecommunications and perishable industries, an active exchange of experiences and analyses of potential will develop the capacity and reach of both airport management companies,” said Markus Kopp, CEO of Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG.

While Mitteldeutsche Airport Holding has existing cooperation agreements in place with four Asian and two North American airports, the agreement with the Airports Company of South Africa marks the first such agreement on the African continent.

Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd is the largest airport authority in Africa. With a global footprint spanning three continents Airports Company South Africa provides a professional, world-class service for South Africa’s nine principle airports as well as airports in Mumbai, India and São Paulo, Brazil.