Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have signed a sister airport cooperation agreement that seeks to promote business and trade between OR Tambo International Airport and the US.

Signed on the margins of the Airports International Council (ACI) World's Customer Experience Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, the agreement will focus on collaboration in operational best practices, cargo operations and passenger services.

A similar agreement was signed between Hartsfield-Jackson and the Namibia Airports Company in July.

“In this age of global connectivity, this partnership represents an incredible opportunity for growth and learning,” said Jan Lennon, Interim GM of Hartsfield-Jackson. “We are excited to work closely with our colleagues at OR Tambo to enhance connectivity and share expertise, ensuring both airports continue to lead globally.”

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Mpumi Mpofu, ACSA CEO, described the agreement as a blueprint for strategic alliance to foster collaboration, growth and excellence.

"This agreement will pave the way for new opportunities, greater connectivity and mutual growth.”

Currently, there are direct daily flights between OR Tambo and Atlanta, operated by Delta Airlines. The airline also operates thrice-weekly flights from Atlanta to Cape Town International Airport.

“This is a testament to Atlanta's commitment to our region and the significant role our air transport system plays as a gateway into southern Africa and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Mpofu.

One of the critical focus areas will be air cargo development, using Atlanta as a strategic gateway, she added.

“We have allocated more than US$330 million in capital expenditure over the next eight years for construction of a cargo terminal at OR Tambo. This strategic infrastructure goes beyond just moving goods but connecting continents, fostering trade and driving economic growth.”

As part of its “innovate, grow and sustain” strategy, ACSA is pursuing global strategic partnerships that aim to cultivate continuous improvement and competitiveness. In this regard, ACSA is also leveraging relationships through two other existing sister airport agreements with the Munich and Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) airports.