Legal battle puts Security under the spotlight

The SACAA ruling follows a lengthy court battle that has placed the security risks involved with ageing aviation infrastructure in the spotlight. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has tried to insource the HBS function since 2023 as part of a R3.15 billion tender. The action was opposed by airlines and ACS, which has been running screening services for decades. At the heart of the courtroom battle is a very basic issue: who, in the context of South Africa’s Technical Standards (CATS) and Civil Aviation Regulations (CARS), has the statutory responsibility to screen checked bags?

For ACS and the world’s airline sector, the stakes could not be higher. HBS units are an early warning system, detecting explosives, weapons, and prohibited articles in checked bags. Globally, these units are pivotal to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliance for air security. Any disruption in screening operations can ripple through the highly networked global air system – placing lives at risk and disrupting economic balance.

Aging equipment and Regional parallels

In South Africa, the need for this upgrade cannot be overemphasized. OR Tambo Airport alone handles over 21 million travelers annually, making it one of the most congested airports in Africa and a juncture of importance in intercontinental air travel. The loss of support by manufacturers for outdated HBS units created a security gap that could have put travelers at unacceptable risk. High Court’s November 2024 ruling to let ACS pursue replacements was regarded as pivotal in safeguarding the traveling public.

“We applaud SACAA’s acknowledgment of the need to replace old HBS equipment in order to provide seamless security operations at airports,” stated Duke Phahla, ACS CEO.

“We have held from the start that passenger safety and continuity should take precedence, and this move evidences that shared concern.”

Regional comparisons: A common challenge

The experience of South Africa is similar to that of other large African hubs. Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has just been in the news for outdated screening equipment, amidst calls for upgrades to enable it to keep up with ICAO and European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) standards. Nigeria’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) has similarly battled to upgrade screening facilities, especially with Lagos working to become West Africa’s top gateway.

In Ethiopia, the fastest-growing African hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, has invested heavily to upgrade its screening in order to remain a regional transit hub. South Africa, meanwhile, has been held back by a protracted legal process, which underlines the need for regulatory uniformity and collaborative solutions for aviation security.

Security, not Bureaucracy, must come first

As South Africa’s legal process unfolds, SACAA’s green light assurance promises four key Level 3 HBS units – featuring top-of-the-line 3D imaging and enhanced threat detection – will be replaced immediately. This brings South Africa closer to best international practice and cements its status as a strategic aviation gateway for southern Africa.

“Throughout the legal process, our attention stays centered on providing uninterrupted, world-class baggage screening services to passengers and airlines,” Phahla underscored.

“We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with ACSA, SACAA and all stakeholders to maintain operational integrity and protect aviation security standards.”

Implications for the Continent’s Aviation future

For ProtectionWeb readers across Africa and beyond, the lessons are clear. As IATA forecasts African air passenger growth of 5.7% annually over the next two decades, security systems must keep pace with the growing threat landscape and passenger demand. Africa’s aviation renaissance – driven by economic growth and regional integration – hinges on secure, efficient airport operations.

By securing the approval of SACAA and moving quickly to retire aging HBS units, South Africa is setting the continent an example: security decisions must be risk analysis- and regulation-guided, not business or political maneuvering. The replacement program, which was begun under the tight control of SACAA, underscores the requirement to align security infrastructure upgrade to ICAO’s Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) priorities.

A Global message

In an age of escalating geopolitics tensions and increasingly sophisticated aviation security threats, South Africa’s decisive response sends a powerful message to the world: aviation security is no simply local or domestic concern – it’s a global imperative. As ACS begins installing new HBS units, the bigger lesson is one of unwavering commitment to safety, operational flexibility, and global standards.

Expanded historical timeline: South Africa’s airport security evolution

• Pre-1990s: Basic Screening Measures

In the apartheid era, South African airports utilised largely basic physical screening measures. Physical searches and metal detectors were the norm, with minimal global cooperation and advanced security technology.

• 1990s: Evolution and modernisation

When apartheid declined and South Africa opened up again to the international community, the aviation sector experienced thorough reforms. Airports began implementing more sophisticated screening equipment, with reference to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications. The establishment of the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) in 1993 introduced airports to expert management and began laying foundations for improved security measures.

• Early 2000s: Post-9/11 reforms

The 11th September 2001 events triggered a paradigm shift in global security. South African airport Passenger and Baggage Screening was enhanced to comply with tougher ICAO and International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) systems were introduced for automation of explosive and other prohibited items scanning in checked bags.

•2010 FIFA World Cup: Substantial infrastructure investments

In preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa also invested in airport security and infrastructure. OR Tambo, King Shaka, and Cape Town International Airports all underwent expansions, including the introduction of state-of-the-art HBS systems and advanced surveillance systems. These investments profoundly raised South Africa’s security profile and new levels for African aviation.

• 2010s: Consolidation and compliance

In the 2010s, South African air security focus was on consolidating these gains. This included the integration of multi-level HBS systems and streamlining security procedures to address evolving ICAO Annex 17 standards. ACSA and ACS worked together to remain abreast of regulatory demands and deliver consistent screening services to an annual three million passengers.

• 2020 Onwards: Evolving threats and judicial conflicts

As threats have occurred worldwide, so too have the needs for the security apparatus of South Africa’s aviation. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for adaptable security that absorbs health and safety requirements. A legal fight over responsibility for HBS operations since 2023 has again put regulatory openness and the need for upgraded equipment on the agenda to prevent holes in security.

• 2024 – 2025: SACAA’s decisive action

The High Court’s November 2024 endorsement of ACS to replace the HBS units of a generation – supported by SACAA’s subsequent green light – is a new milestone on this timeline. It marks the return to firm, risk-based security practices and solidifies South Africa’s leadership role in aviation security within the region.

The post South Africa advances Airport Security with SACAA’s approval of urgent screening equipment overhaul appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Founded by experienced helicopter pilots, Paul and Ingrid Erasmus, HeliCo recently obtained its operator’s certificate, allowing it to function independently. “We started operations in September last year [2024], and since then, we’ve been engaged in various missions, from heavy-lift construction projects to emergency evacuations,” explained the operations manager.

Due to Mozambique’s poor infrastructure, helicopters have played a vital role in the transport of personnel, equipment, and aid. “We enjoy technically demanding jobs, but given the country’s logistical challenges, we end up doing a bit of everything, including humanitarian missions and conservation work.”

Ingrid Erasmus noted that HeliCo has been involved in emergency response efforts, particularly during cyclone seasons. “Typically, these missions happen at very short notice. We’re often called in to transport food, medicine, or aid workers to remote areas hit by natural disasters,” said Erasmus.

Beyond humanitarian work, HeliCo has been actively engaged in conservation efforts, particularly in Mozambique’s northwestern Niassa region. “We collaborate with a carbon credits project to monitor illegal deforestation and wildlife poaching,” Erasmus explained. These missions involve community outreach, conducting aerial surveys, and providing logistical support to conservation teams.

In southern Mozambique, HeliCo proudly services the breathtaking Maputo Reserve, which is a short flight away from Maputo city. The reserve is particularly close to the hearts of founders Paul and Ingrid Erasmus,  who see it as a shining example of the country’s untapped tourism potential, offering a blend of natural beauty and diverse activities.

“You just won’t believe how beautiful the Maputo Reserve is from the air,” says Paul Erasmus. “It looks a lot like the Delta in Botswana, but with the added magic of a spectacular coastline, coral reefs, and inland lakes. It’s a remarkable area, still relatively undiscovered.”

HeliCo also operates in Mozambique’s volatile northern region, particularly in Cabo Delgado, where insurgencies have created additional security risks for companies and aid organizations working in the area. Given these challenges, risk management is at the core of HeliCo’s operations.

“Our clients are looking for helicopter transport to assist in lowering their risk profiles,” says Paul Erasmus. “Operations in these areas require careful review of up-to-date intelligence reports, engagement with insurers, and co-ordination with other operators to ensure the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants.”

Looking ahead, HeliCo aims to expand its fleet and establish more bases across Mozambique. “We want to bring in more versatile aircraft, station helicopters in strategic locations, and improve infrastructure to support rapid deployment,” they shared.

HeliCo also provides aircraft management services. A client has recently acquired an H135 light twin-engine helicopter, which HeliCo will manage and operate on their behalf. The aircraft is a significant addition to Mozambique’s aviation type register, potentially bringing advanced capabilities to the region.

From cyclone relief to conservation and security operations, HeliCo has positioned itself as a critical player in Mozambique’s aviation sector. Their work showcases the adaptability of helicopters in a country where infrastructure limitations make traditional transport difficult. As they continue to expand, their role in humanitarian, industrial, and security missions is set to grow, making them an indispensable resource in Mozambique’s evolving landscape.

The post HeliCo: Pioneering Helicopter Services in Mozambique’s Challenging Terrain appeared first on ProtectionWeb.