For Immediate Release
Sept. 30, 2024
Contact:
Office of Corporate Communications and Media Relations
(678) 920-0857
Hartsfield-Jackson Signs Sister Airport Agreement with Airports Company South Africa
Pact seeks to bolster business and trade between sister airports, countries
ATLANTA – In a landmark move to enhance international collaboration, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has signed a Sister Airport Cooperation Agreement with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which operates nine airports, including O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. Officially signed on Sept. 27, this agreement is part of the U.S.-South Africa joint Atlanta Phambili initiative – a program designed to foster economic, educational, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. The partnership will promote collaboration in operational best practices, passenger services, and air cargo management between the two major international hubs.
“In this age of global connectivity, this partnership represents an incredible opportunity for growth and learning,” said Jan Lennon, Interim General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “We are excited to work closely with our colleagues at O.R. Tambo International Airport to enhance connectivity and share expertise, ensuring both airports continue to lead globally.”
Odie Donald II, Chief of Staff for the City of Atlanta, emphasized the agreement’s broader impact on the city and its future prospects. “This agreement highlights Atlanta’s growing influence on the global stage. By building bridges with key international partners like South Africa, we not only strengthen our airport operations but also open doors to economic development and cultural exchange that will benefit both regions for years to come.”
Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Cynthia Griffin also underscored the importance of this agreement from a foreign policy perspective: “It will increase the flow of people and goods between our countries, and deepen our business, tourism, and cultural ties. The agreement reflects the spirit of the Atlanta Phambili initiative, which seeks to advance our bilateral partnership through economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. Phambili, which means “forward” in South African languages Zulu and Xhosa, embodies the optimism we have for the future of U.S.-South Africa relations.”
Mpumi Mpofu, Group CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), echoed the enthusiasm of her ATL counterparts, noting the mutual benefits of the partnership:
“Through this cooperation, we are creating opportunities for innovation in passenger experience and operational efficiency. This agreement reinforces our shared vision for progress and positions both of our airports to better serve our communities.”
Interim ATL General Manager Jan Lennon, Airports Company South Africa Group CEO Mpumi Mpofu, City of Atlanta COO LaChandra Burks, South African Chamber of Commerce USA President Neil Diamond, and U.S. Mission in South Africa Minister Counselor for Commercial
Affairs Cynthia Griffin participated in the signing ceremony.
Following the signing, dignitaries from both cities participated in a gift exchange and a reception where future opportunities for collaboration were discussed. The agreement with ACSA is ATL’s 11th sister airport partnership and its fifth in Africa, underscoring ATL’s commitment to fostering global aviation relationships. It also advances joint efforts by the United States and the Republic of South Africa to deepen bilateral partnerships through the City of Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ATL is the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in one year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. The Airport boasts an annual direct economic impact of $66 billion in the state. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence, ATL is recognized for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. For more information, visit www.atl.com.
Atlanta Phambili Initiative
Atlanta Phambili is a subnational diplomacy initiative which seeks to use Atlanta as a gateway to foster common understanding, grow shared prosperity, and facilitate mutually beneficial knowledge exchange. The initiative taps into Atlanta’s rich ecosystem of educational and research institutions, Diaspora connections, creatives industry, and economic dynamism to promote two-way partnership and exchange between U.S. and South African leaders, institutions, and businesses. Atlanta Phambili is a joint effort by the U.S. Mission in South Africa and the government of South Africa. For more information, visit https://za.usembassy.gov/atlanta-phambili-a-gateway-for-u-s-south-africa-partnership/.
