THE PORT ELIZABETH airport is currently undergoing a R31-million terminal upgrade. The present arrivals terminal was built in the late fifties and the departures area in 1973. Connie Muller, manager of the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) in Port Elizabeth, told the Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Percci) that the project involved the upgrading of both terminals. Eighty percent of the arrivals terminal will be demolished and the two carousels, which are currently 22m each, will be replaced by two 45m carousels. This will enable both carousels to handle any aircraft with up to 250 people on board. The upgrade will give the airport limited international capabilities. The Port Elizabeth Airport has cross-border status, and can handle 747 sized aircraft flying from as far as London. The upgrade will make provision for international travellers and the necessary support functions. “Part of the arrivals hall will be able to convert into an international arrivals hall within one hour. We have also included customs offices and immigration control for international arrivals. A similar design will also be incorporated into the departures hall for international travellers,” added Mr Muller. The ablution facilities have been demolished and are being replaced with modern and superior facilities. Additional toilet facilities have been allocated in the building. Provision has also been made for baby rooms. A centralized food and beverage area, which will include boutiques, has been designed in the middle of the building to serve both terminals. “This will allow the restaurants and kiosks to provide a centralized function with improved service levels. The airline offices, which were previously located in the centre of the building, have been relocated to the right hand side of the airport. Tour operators have received a designated area in the arrivals terminal,” he said. A unique addition to the airport will be a dedicated tour group check-in facility. This facility will handle all group check-ins, such as sports teams or tour groups, at a specific location, alleviating congestion and delays at the regular departure terminal and will utilize the one remaining 22 metre carousel. “This is a first in the country and I believe other airports will follow suit. The facility will be able to handle oversized baggage and deal with groups in a more efficient and effective manner,” said Muller. “At the end of this project the airport will be 100 compliant with international safety regulations and will be able to handle a capacity of two million passengers a year. Currently we handle 875 000 passengers year,” said Muller.