Cape Town – The production of Jet A1 has improved and additional product transportation has been prioritised to supplement local production, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said on Saturday.
Moving to allay fears arising from low fuel supply reserves at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), ACSA said the impact was “minimal”.
“At present, the impact that the current low fuel levels are likely to have on flights in and out of CTIA, are minimal, however, engagements are at an advanced stage,” assured ACSA.
In the latest update on the situation pertaining to low fuel supply reserves at CTIA , ACSA said, “it can confirm that discussions were held with fuel suppliers and airlines until late last night (Friday, 3 March 2023), when airlines were given their allocation of JET for the next few days”.
ACSA added: “Given the reduction in supply, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was published at 05:00 this morning to request airlines to engage their suppliers and to limit uplift where required.
“Our fuel suppliers are closely engaging impacted airlines to reduce operational impact.”
In a bid to speedily resolve the issue, ACSA said it was facilitating discussions between fuel suppliers, airlines and other stakeholders to ensure that adequate levels of fuel stock are available, to ensure continuity of operations.
“Subsequently a meeting was held at 12:00 today, (Saturday 4 March 2023), a major fuel supplier advised that the production of Jet A1 has improved over the past 24 hours and additional product (road tankering and imports) has been prioritised to supplement local production,” said ACSA.
“ACSA is closely monitoring the situation with fuel suppliers, specifically the JET A1 delivery rates to the airport.
“The fuel suppliers, with support from ACSA, will continue to engage all impacted operators and will do everything possible to prevent cancellations and minimise disruption.”
ACSA said the impact of low fuel levels were likely to have on flights in and out of CTIA, were minimal, however, engagements were at an advanced stage.
ACSA said it was hopeful that the fuel suppliers will provide the necessary quantity of fuel to the airlines, and source additional fuel stocks to maintain continuity of operations.
“All travellers are requested to please monitor their flight schedules and stay informed via the ACSA App and the relevant airline websites,” said ACSA, adding that it will “continue to provide regular updates”.
