Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, recently opened its new runway. It measures three kilometers in length and 45 metres in width, and can accept larger passenger and cargo aircraft than the airport has been able to previously receive.
The project took just over a year to complete and cost roughly $14 million. The runway has full night operations with 24-hour apron services and advanced navigation aids. It has a new generation global navigation satellite system to allow for enhanced access even when terrestrial infrastructure may fail.
The airport will be the first to have the advanced-required navigation performance flight procedure, which will be implemented in the first quarter of 2014.
“Ongoing improvements and new facilities will ensure the longevity of the airport. The entire customer experience has been enriched,” says CEO Gavin Sayce. “We are constantly upgrading and extending facilities as our business grows.”
Lanseria is the province of Gauteng’s only privately-owned international airport, with some appealing draw cards for travellers, including shorter check-in times, self-service kiosks, quick baggage collection, ample parking and fast drop-and-go facilities. The recently extended airport building has new restaurants and retailers, as well as a viewing deck that overlooks the runway.
Lanseria International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in South Africa.