Airports Company South Africa has contingency plans to ensure operations run smoothly at its airports during the upcoming peak summer season.

This was highlighted following concerns raised by the aviation industry over delays in a tender process.

Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) – founded by airlines that use the airports to provide connectivity, maintenance, and support services – told Tourism Update that its contract with Acsa and multinational information technology company, SITA, to provide certain technical services at its airports, would not be implemented by the time the contract expired on November 30.

The airports company however, countered this concern pointing out that it had plans in place for the transition of technical service providers, while the company embarks on the procurement process for the provision of Airport Common Use Terminal Equipment and Common Use Self Service services,

The procurement process is a public tender open to the public and ACS.

“We wish to assure all passengers and stakeholders that this transition will not result in any disruptions or delays in airport operations,” an Acsa spokesperson told Tourism Update.

“Acsa is aware of how crucial it is to keep services running smoothly for travellers’ convenience. As a result, the company is working tirelessly to ensure there are no disruptions during the transition period. The transition plan will maintain business continuity and operational excellence both during and after the present service contract has ended,” said the airports company.

The transition plan, which includes steps to mitigate any potential challenges that may develop, is now being finalised by Acsa.