Acsa powers up resilience with Fuel Security and Big Upgrades

Acsa CEO Mpumi Mpofu says jet fuel storage has been increased to 10 days to prevent supply disruptions

image: MyBroadBand
by Kelebogile Matlou

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) is positioning itself as a more resilient and future-ready organisation by investing heavily in fuel security and infrastructure upgrades. Speaking at the release of the company’s financial results for the year ending March 2025, CEO Mpumi Mpofu said the strategy is about ensuring stability for airport operations while preparing for sustainable growth.

Mpofu explained that South Africa’s growing reliance on imported fuel has highlighted the need for stronger safeguards. Acsa has therefore expanded its fuel storage capacity to 10 days, introduced new bypass systems, upgraded fuel pipelines, and proposed the expansion of storage tanks at major airports. These measures are designed not only to prevent disruptions but also to create redundancy in the system, ensuring uninterrupted operations even during supply chain challenges.

This focus on resilience comes after recent disruptions, including the Natref refinery shutdown earlier this year, which underscored the risks of limited domestic refining capacity. Mpofu emphasised that such investments will secure the company’s ability to meet its daily demand of 3.5 million litres of jet fuel and maintain operational excellence.

Beyond fuel security, Acsa’s long-term vision centres on sustainability and innovation. The company is working with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and The Innovation Hub to develop advanced aviation solutions, from predictive maintenance to biometric-enabled passenger journeys.

The financial results reflect the success of this forward-looking approach. Net profit more than doubled to R1.8 billion from R472 million in 2024, while revenue climbed 13% to R7.9 billion. With a healthy EBITDA margin of 37% and R21.7 billion earmarked for infrastructure renewal over the next five years, Acsa is accelerating flagship projects at O.R. Tambo International, Cape Town International, and other regional airports.

Chief financial officer Luzuko Mbotya said the stronger balance sheet and improved dividend payouts demonstrate not only recovery from the pandemic but also Acsa’s renewed capacity to deliver long-term value to shareholders, passengers, and the aviation sector as a whole.