Weathering the Storm: Lanseria International Airport’s Visionary Leap into the Future…

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Christine and I arrived at Lanseria with a mix of excitement and nerves, unsure of what to expect from our meeting with Mr. Rampa Rammopo. His reputation preceded him, sharp, strategic, perhaps even formidable. Had we bitten off more than we could chew?

But the warm welcome at reception quickly put us at ease. And as we sat in ear shot of the boardroom, the sound of laughter from within – Mr. Rammopo mid-meeting confirmed what we hoped: this was going to be a conversation worth having.

What followed was more than an interview, it was a deep dive into a vision reborn.

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A Dream on the Rise
Before the world was brought to a halt by an unforeseen pandemic, Lanseria International Airport stood on the brink of a bold transformation. There was an energy in the air, the kind that accompanies dreams backed by meticulous planning, solid capital projects, and an unrelenting belief in growth. LIA had cast its vision far and wide, anchored in a master plan designed to not only meet future demand, but to shape the airport into a regional powerhouse.

One of the key milestones in this ambitious blueprint was the expansion of the airport’s terminal building. This was no minor upgrade. With the expansion of the Pier, Lanseria increased its passenger handling capacity from 3 million to 4.5 million per annum. Simultaneously, the Multistorey Parkade (MSP) project had been completed and operational, the perfect complement to the expected passenger surge. Plans were also underway for a dedicated hotel, an upgraded fuel
farm. It was all happening…until it wasn’t!

Just as concrete was being poured and steel girders hoisted, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, grinding the global aviation industry to a near-total standstill. Dreams were paused, boardrooms fell silent and development projects hit a brick wall. But not all of them.

Some, like the expansion of the Pier, were already too far along to be abandoned. They had to continue, however cautiously. And with that, the tone shifted.Lanseria’s master plan didn’t dissolve. Instead, it evolved…

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Rising from Ruin – A New Blueprint for Resilience
Where many saw devastation, Lanseria International Airport saw recalibration. It wasn’t just about survival anymore. It became about adaptation, engineering a version of the airport that could thrive not just in normal times, but in uncertain ones too. This shift led to a full-scale strategic review of operations, with a central goal: “How can we re-purpose the airport to weather future storms?”

The answer lay in diversification.

One of the clearest opportunities identified was cargo, a market LIA had not tapped into before COVID. Traditionally, cargo operations at Lanseria were limited to the belly space of commercial airliners. But the explosion of e-commerce and the increasing demand for air freight made a
compelling case for a deeper play.Thus, the Lanseria Cargo Precinct is born.

Lanseria International Airport occupying a 90-hectare parcel of currently vacant land – with an additional acquisition of adjacent parcels under consideration, the precinct will be designed as a fully-fledged cargo ecosystem. This project alone is forecasted to claim between 20 to 30 hectares, targeting 5 -10% of Gauteng’s booming 400 000 ton per annum air cargo market. With preliminary designs complete and most regulatory approvals secured, Lanseria is gearing to break ground by Q4 2025. The project, estimated around R2 – R3 billion, is set to be a five – year phased development and a cornerstone of LIA’s post-pandemic legacy.

But the Cargo Precinct is just the beginning.

Tied to the cargo development is another strategic initiative: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. With SAA Technical’s diminished presence at OR Tambo, a critical gap has emerged in regional maintenance services. Lanseria intends to fill it. Designs are done, funding is partially secured, and tender processes for construction are on the near horizon. This segment will not only serve operational needs but also open up new business avenues for the airport.

Another future-proofing initiative is the new Fuel Farm, which will boost LIA’s fuel storage capacity from 1 million to 4.5 million litres. Final designs have been submitted, and approvals from the City of Johannesburg; delayed but not derailed, are anticipated soon. This project plays a pivotalrole in supporting the increased aircraft activity expected in the years ahead, especially as morecarriers consider Lanseria as a viable base.

Next in line is the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) facility, currently in conceptual design stages. It’s a natural progression for Lanseria, which has long attracted business and private aviation. With market studies underway, the FBO project could soon become another defining pillar in Lanseria’s transformation, catering to elite travellers and specialized aviation services.

Add to this the Taxiway Alpha Upgrades, an estimated R200 million infrastructure investment aimed at enhancing the operational robustness of the airport’s air-side environment. With feasibility studies complete and consultants being appointed soon, construction is expected to be rolled out over 18 months to minimize disruption, ensuring the runway ecosystem matches thescale of LIA’s broader aspirations.

What unites these five capital projects: The Cargo Precinct, MRO, Fuel Farm, FBO facilities, and Taxiway upgrades, is not just ambition, but a sense of readiness. Readiness for growth. Readiness for disruption. Readiness for the future.

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A Legacy in the Making
Together, these developments don’t just mark a recovery from the COVID-19 shock, they represent a powerful leap into a new era. For CEO Rampa Rammopo, these are not mere infrastructure upgrades; they are Legacy Projects: A visionary master-stroke shaped under pressure, re-imagined
during crisis, and executed with precision.

Over the next five years, Lanseria International Airport will transform into an active construction site, one parcel at a time, laying the foundation for the airport of tomorrow. An airport that’s resilient, diversified, and future-ready.

So whether you’re boarding FlySafair “For the Love of Flying,” or flying with any future operators who will inevitably be drawn to this revitalized hub – rest assured, Lanseria International Airport will be ready.

From the ashes of a global crisis, a bold new skyline is rising – and it’s taking off from Lanseria.

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Leads 2 Business | Written by Minnie Zondi

About Minnie Zondi

I am an insanely optimistic ambivert that does everything from the heart instead of the mind. Deeply interested in people and matters that pertain to mankind.

Featured Project: Luanda International Airport, Angola

Angola – PPA 21494

Description
Construction of a new international airport on the outskirts of Luanda province in Angola. It will be known as Angola International Airport. Estimated value: US$1.4 billion. GPS coordinates lat: -9.0504977; long: 13.4989698.
Status Region
Underway Angola
Category Value
Building R 200 Million+
Industry Timing
Transport Terminal 2008 – 2016 (Extended to 2023)
Sector Class
Public Private Partnership Turnkey


If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details about this Featured Project here.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
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About Melanie Miles

One girl who would rather wear boots than high heels...

Featured Project: Luanda International Airport, Angola

Angola – PPA 21494

Description
Construction of a new international airport on the outskirts of Luanda province in Angola. It will be known as Angola International Airport. Estimated value: US$1.4 billion. GPS coordinates lat: -9.0504977; long: 13.4989698.

 

Status Region
Underway Angola
Category Value
Building R 200 Million+
Industry Timing
Transport Terminal 2008 – 2016 (Extended to 2023)
Sector Class
Public Private Partnership Turnkey


If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details about this Featured Project here.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Melanie Miles

One girl who would rather wear boots than high heels...

ACSA – The low down

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ACSA
ACSA

 

 

 

 

Planes, Trains and auto-mobiles!!! Yes, this seems to be the theme for L2B blogs this month…..

Now given that I know nothing about any of these, believe me when I say I’m struggling!!!

 

 

But never fear…..I had a little chat to myself and I was reminded that these blogs are not entirely for my entertainment, and perhaps I had judge this topic to harshly.

…..And maybe, just maybe, if just one of you find any of our South African transport systems interesting then possibly so could I …..

 

So, I choose ACSA! That’s right Airports Company South Africa – l got this!!!

 

ACSA Logo
ACSA Logo

 

Who are they? Well I’ll tell you – They operate and own 9 South African Principal airports, namely O.R Thambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Bram Fischer International, Upington International, East London International, George Airport, Kimberly Airport & Port Elizabeth International mmmmm Impressive start!

 

Now while I’m sure you would all loooooove for me to go into the history of this formidable South African company, I’ve decided to rather concentrate on the present and believe me when I say that there is a LOT going on! This Company is on the ball, socially aware is something they do not shy away from.

I’m talking Staff Volunteer work, Community work, Environmental awareness, Job creation, you name it, these peeps are on it!

So sure, while reading through their website may have warmed my heart, and given me a new found respect for the ACSA, I also knew that all this warm fuzzy stuff would not keep you reading ….so…

 

 

 

I’ve taken it upon myself to change the subject ever so slightly, and to rather talk to you about Leads 2 Business! Yes, that’s where I work so it makes way more sense that I talk about them right!:)

 

And there I am, safely back in my Comfort Zone!

 

So Let me tie these two incredible companies together for you;).

 

Here at L2B, we like to make your life a whole lot easier, so whether you are a Vendor/sub-contractor, a Contractor or perhaps a Professional, if you are interested in any of the Developments or Tenders that the ACSA are involved in, you should be talking to us!

It really is that simple.

When it comes to information regarding Construction and Construction related industries, we are on top of our game. I will go as far as stating we are the Leaders in this field. Our Clients are constantly given up to date and relevant information, and along with this we follow it all up with friendly support!

 

So whether you are interested in ACSA Tenders, SANRAL Tenders or perhaps Eskom is more your speed (Just to mention a few) – let me assure you, we’ve got it!

 

 

For instance, do you know about the CCT Airport Precinct Project, this is a multifaceted Cape Town development comprising of Commercial offices, Residential and Retail components.

This is a huge project, and Leads 2 Business is following this step by step, supplying our clients with ongoing updates regarding it.

And not to mention the 10 current ACSA tenders featured on our website at this very minute….. as I said we’ve got it!

And so could you;).

 

Believe me when I tell you that, picking one project out of the thousands that we are following really doesn’t do us any justice, so instead do your self a favour and and give us a call 086 083 6337, you can speak to myself Sherina Swart, or any of my capable colleagues and let us take your though our website and see for yourself what we have.

Lets get you started!

 

 

 

I look forward to hearing from you – 🙂

 

Is it a Plane?

L2B-Linked-Small-Logo

 

 

Is it a Train?

L2B-Linked-Group-Logo

 

 

 

No Its Leads 2 Business!!!!

L2B Logo

 


You’re Welcome   😉

About Sherina Shawe

I am a strong believer in "What you put in , is what you will get out" and this drives me every day, whether it's at home with my gorgeous family or at work where I get to fuel my competitive spirit. I love who I am and who I'm becoming. I love where I am , but more importantly where I'm going.... #EternalOptimist #Aspire2Inspire