ACS gets green light for baggage scanner upgrades
Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) has welcomed the South African Civil Aviation Authority's approval to replace four baggage screening units at OR Tambo and King Shaka airports.
This follows a legal dispute with SACAA and Airports Company South Africa over control of check-in hold baggage screening at the country’s airports.
In 2023, ACSA terminated ACS’s baggage screening services to take over the service directly, and issued a R3.15 billion tender to replace equipment after termination.
ACS is a company jointly owned by the airlines.
Aviation Co-ordination Services CEO Duke Phahla said they subsequently sought the courts' permission to replace four units at OR Tambo and King Shaka.
In November 2024, the Gauteng High Court granted ACS’s request to replace the machines.
“We commend SACAA’s recognition of the urgency in replacing aged HBS equipment to ensure uninterrupted security operations at airports. We have always maintained that passenger safety and continuity must come first, and this step reflects that shared concern,” said Phahla.
“ACS confirms that the replacement HBS units will be installed in strict accordance with technical and regulatory requirements, including SACAA’s oversight procedures.”
Pahla assured the public that although the legal process for baggage screening responsibility is underway, its focus is on ensuring uninterrupted baggage screening services for passengers and airlines.
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