2.2 Eswatini Aviation
Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/
The volume of passengers passing through the airport has over the years been around 60,000 per annum and commercial cargo at about 200 tons per year. There is only one air service provider, South African Airlink, which provides the only air connections between Eswatini and South Africa (Johannesburg). The target market has over the years been the corporate sector, charging high fares.
In terms of infrastructure, the King Mswati III International Airport (KM III IA), is the largest airport in the Kingdom with runway length of 3580 m. This airport can accommodate large and wide body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. The airport has enough cargo facility and has cargo and ground handling agents. All commercial air traffic was transferred to this airport in 2014 when it was officially launched moving from the Matsapha airport. The Matsapha airport which is the second airport in the country is located at Matsapha and is mostly used for charter flights and private operations. It is a smaller airport than the KMIII IA with a runway length of 2,600 m. This is another airport which have access capacity for more charter flights, private operate and for use as a training academy. The airport is strategically located close to the Matsapha industrial area and can be used for exports and imports.
The sector has also low general aviation activities. These include aerial works, crop spraying, pilot training, etc. There are quite few local aviators who have invested in this sector. The country also has no aviation maintenance organizations or aviation training organizations registered in Eswatini.
For aviation safety, security, economic and environment, the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority has the overall oversight. It has a three solid Directorates responsible for the regulatory faction with qualified and experienced staff. The oversight function is undertaken through professionally developed guidance material such as the aviation regulations, call circulators and orders issued by the Director General (CEO of ESWACAA) on the regular bases. In other words, there is a solid professional team of regulators which conduct oversight function on the sector to guarantee safe and secure operations and to ensure efficient and effectiveness of the sector.
The Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) as per the Civil Aviation Act No. 10 of 2009 is the ultimate authority mandated to regulate the sector and operate the two airports, including the airstrip at Nhlangano in the Shiselweni region of the country. There is only one operator for scheduled operation, South African Airlink, on the KM III IA – JNB route. In addition, there is also Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation which is the national airline responsible to operate the State aircraft and manages a ticket office that sells airline tickets. In addition, they provide ground handling operations to other operators. In the near future, they intend to engage themselves in schedule operation.
Eswatini has Aviation Associates which has been the only ground handler in the Kingdom for many years. There are listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) as the ground handler in Eswatini. Through the years, they have established themselves as one of the reputable companies that can handle all type and sizes of aircraft and any nature of operation be it private business and or state/diplomatic business.
The overall national capacity can be summarized broadly as follows:
- Regulatory function: satisfactory since we have all the key Regulatory directorates, personnel, appropriate guidance material, robust procedures, equipment and budget to oversight the sector in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practice (SARPS).
- Airport Operation: airports have qualified management which is able to manage and operate the airports in compliance to ICAO. As indicated above, the airports are operating below capacity and there is room to operate the airport to full capacity. This means that there is access capacity which can be explored immediately with the available facilities.
- Ground handling services: the airports have ground handling equipment and agents that can service any aircraft on the ground. The ground handling agents have the requisite experience and expertise to conduct this function judging by the number and complexity of the operations they are handling.
- Scheduled operation: There is room for more operators to invest in scheduled and charter operation since only two operators, Airlink and Royal Swazi, provide these. So, more investments are encouraged in this regard.
- Land around KM III IA. Since at the new airport, KM III IA, there are no hangars, hotels, offices, etc, prospective investors are encouraged to consider investing around the airport area and this again presents an investment opportunity.
- Matsapha airport and its surrounding land. Matsapha airport has been earmarked as an Aviation Training Academy. In addition, the airport can be used for private charter operation. This again present investment opportunities. The land around the airport can be utilized to establish a retail and housing estate and this present investment opportunities.
- National Civil Aviation Policy. Eswatini has a civil aviation policy which encourages cooperation with the private sector towards its sustained development and growth.
- Human Resource matters. Eswatini through its scholarship programme continues to train aviation personnel. Any new investments in the sector will allow the absorption of these graduates into the sector by generating the much-needed employment and through the multiplier effect will result in sustained economic growth and development.
Some of the significant constraints are as follows:
- Serviceability of 4 fire trucks – the trucks are approaching their economic life and will need to be replaced. Funding is currently being sought from government and international partners.
- Construction of the parallel Taxi way at KM III IA – This is not an immediate problem based on the current traffic volume. However, in the event traffic improves significantly, there will be needing to construct the parallel taxi way in the future.
- Lack hydrant fueling line at KM III IA – In the absence of the hydrant fueling line, refueling at KM III IA is through bowsers.
- This can delay operation if the aircraft is huge or if more aircraft need to refuel. Investments in this line is determined by the number, type and size of aircraft to be serviced.
- Lack of office space and staff accommodation at KM III IA – There are serious efforts to engage government to provide budget for the construction of the office park and staff housing at KM III IA.
Despite all these constraints, the airport is fully operational and Jet A1 fuel is provided.
AIRLINES OPERATING
The Eswatini government - through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport - holds a 60% controlling share in Eswatini Airlink (Manzini Matsapha), a joint venture company with Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), which operates the flights on Eswatini Airlink's behalf. The airline currently has a 100% market share at Manzini Matsapha in terms of weekly seat capacity. It took over as Swaziland Airlink (SZL, Manzini King Mswati III Int'l) from Royal Swazi National Airways in 1999 and became Eswatini Airlink when the Kingdom changed its name in 2018.
Eswatini Air - the new regional airline brand of state-owned Royal Eswatini National Airways (RENAC) – plans to debut by the end of 2022 on Southern African regional routes using two EMB-145EPs. The airline was hoping to obtain its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (EESWACAA) by the end of this March 2022.
As reported previously, RENAC last year purchased two 50-seater E145s previously operated by HOP! (France) (A5, Paris Orly). 3DC-EAA (msn 145043) were delivered to the Kingdom recently; and F-WTAF (msn 145152) currently in Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, South Africa for small refurbishments, whereafter it will reposition to Eswatini by April 2022.
Eswatini Air will operate as a regional airline, connecting from Manzini King Mswati III Int'l to four regional destinations initially: Johannesburg, Durban King Shaka, and Cape Town in South Africa; and Harare Int'l in Zimbabwe with exact frequencies yet been finalised.
The airline has no intercontinental aspirations but plan to gradually open more destinations in a three-to-four hour radius in the sub-Saharan region. It will seek to connect to major regional hubs, such as Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta and Kigali, and establish codeshares and interline partnerships with international airlines serving them. As the airline grows, it will extend its range and up-gauge but will aim to operate a simplified fleet for cost efficiency.
Landing Application Form for the Kingdom of Eswatini (002).pdf
AC-AWS004- Application for Special Flight Permit.pdf
For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List.
Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft
The steps for the registration of foreign aircraft are as follows:
Step |
Item |
Guidance Document/CAA Action |
Location |
---|---|---|---|
1. |
Application |
|
ESWACAA website www.eswacaa.co.sz |
2. |
Document Evaluation |
Document evaluation and assessment |
ESWACAA Offices |
3. |
Acceptance Inspection |
Aircraft Acceptance Inspection Form (completed by CAA during an onsite inspection) |
ESWACAA Offices and location of aircraft where ordinarily kept and maintained |
4. |
Registration of Aircraft |
Document and physical inspection of aircraft |
ESWACAA Offices |
After aircraft registration aircraft will immediately be inspected for issuance of C of A.
Step |
Guidance Document/CAA Action |
Location |
---|---|---|
1. |
|
|
2. |
Document evaluation and assessment |
ESWACAA Offices and physical inspection at AMO Maintenance Base |
3. |
|
|
4. |
Document evaluation and assessment |
ESWACAA Offices |
After aircraft registration aircraft will immediately be inspected for issuance of C of A.
Step |
Item |
Guidance Document/CAA Action |
Location |
---|---|---|---|
1. |
AMO Inspection (the AMO ordinarily maintaining the aircraft and must lodge an application at ESWACAA for Approval) |
|
|
2. |
Document Evaluation |
Document evaluation and assessment |
ESWACAA Offices and physical inspection at AMO Maintenance Base |
3. |
Application for C of A |
|
Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority – To the sky above let us fly! (eswacaa.co.sz) www.eswacaa.co.sz |
4. |
Document Evaluation |
Document evaluation and assessment |
ESWACAA Offices |
Documents for the above are available on the ESWACAA website and additional documents are obtained from ESWACAA Offices.
For more information on procedures for foreign registered aircraft, please see the following attachments:
- ACOPS004 Foreign Operator Permit Application
- ESWACAA Foreign Operator Requirements
- Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2009
- Foreign Operator Permit Requirements
2.2.1 Eswatini King Mswati III International Airport
Airport Overview
King Mswati III International Airport is the largest airport in the country and serves as the base of Swaziland Air Link. The airport is operated by the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority on behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The terminal was officially opened to the public in 2014, but aircraft operations had already started in 2013. The passenger terminal is a relatively big facility with a capacity to handle 300 passengers at any given time. The airport is well suited for operations of heavy aircraft, with its 3580m runway length, very high pavement classification number and elevation and reference temperature of 1092 feet and 30 degrees Celsius respectively. It is certified for operations of a Boeing 777. The airport has enough space to handle cargo, has more than five cargo handling agents and two cargo and passenger aircraft handling agents.
The airport has no network of taxiways supporting the full length of the runway. The available taxiways connect the runway to the apron. Aircraft backtrack on the runway and turning pads are provided at the beginning of each runway to facilitate ease maneuvering before take-off. The airport operates during the day from 6am to 6pm daily, but is available for night operations if required. It is equipped with the necessary runway lighting to facilitate operations at night. Generally, the airport has most of the handling equipment necessary to take care of operations and hires from neighboring South Africa in instances where there is need for specialized equipment. There are no catering services available at the airport, but a catering structure is available. However, there is a network of hotels surrounding the airport where catering can be sourced.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Kingdom of Eswatini |
Province or District |
Lubombo |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport |
Siteki and 50 km from Manzini City |
Airport’s Complete Name |
King Mswati III (Sikhuphe) International Airport |
Latitude |
-26.348818 |
Longitude |
31.722458 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
1092ft / 332.84m |
IATA Code |
SHO |
ICAO Code |
FDSK |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority |
Management Contact Person |
Mr. Bongani E.M Lukhele Director, Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority +268 23335000 / 5301 |
Open From (hours) |
06:00 |
Open To (hours) |
18:00 |
Airport Picture
A. Terminal Building
B. Cargo Centre
C. Police Post
D. Catering Building
E. Airside Vehicle Access Gate
F. Control Tower
G. Fire and Rescue and Maintenance Centre
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
- Ground Handling Companies - The two ground handling companies at the airport are Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RSNAC) and Aviation Associates. The Ground Handling Companies broadly offer all those services required by an aircraft between landing and take-off, for example, the marshalling of aircraft, loading/unloading, refueling, baggage handling, passenger handling, aircraft maintenance and so on.
- Airlines - The two airlines housed at the airport are Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation and Swazi Airlink. They are responsible for moving people and cargo in and out of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
- Eswatini Revenue Authority - Eswatini Revenue Authority is responsible for regulating the export and import of goods into the country, which includes collecting customs duties and preventing smuggling and illegal trade.
- Eswatini Immigration - Immigration office is involved in ensuring the Kingdom of Eswatini immigration laws are adhered to and includes the checking of eligibility of passengers entering as well as leaving the Kingdom.
- Port Health - Port Health serves as the first line of defense to protect the citizens of the Kingdom of Eswatini and visitors against the entry of communicable diseases associated with cross border movement of people, conveyances, baggage, cargo and imported consignments.
- Police and Military - Police and the military provide security to the airport facility and its environs as well as administration of the Police Act in instances where disorder is promoted.
- Nedbank - The bank facilitates the exchange of currency to promote economic transactions.
- Car Rental - There is AVIS Car rental whose responsibility is to provide car rental services to mostly passengers and the public.
For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.
Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
The airport has sizeable space to take care of perishable, general cargo, live animals and valuable cargo. Currently it is operating well below capacity because of the level of activity. There are more than five cargo agents servicing the airport as well as two cargo aircraft handling agents. In terms of passengers, the airport has the capacity to handle 300 passengers at a specific point in time and again it is operating well below capacity because of the low level of aircraft and passenger movement. There are no measures contemplated at the moment relating to both cargo and passengers as the airport has excess capacity.
Performance for 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Per Year |
Per Month |
Per Day |
|
Total Aircraft Movements |
3 334 |
277 |
12 |
Total Passengers |
56 755 |
4 600 |
164 |
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT) |
1550 |
- |
- |
Current Activity of the Airport (MT) |
56 755 |
4 600 |
164 |
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS) |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Currently the airport has excess cargo capacity. It can take care of perishables, general, valuable and plant and animal cargo and even human remains.
Runways
The runway dimensions are 3580 m x 45 m, a Pavement Classification Number of 59, and asphalt pavement and friction tested in December 2016. There are no runway structural issues to talk about as this is a new facility.
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
3580 m x 45 m |
Orientation |
02/20 |
Surface |
Asphalt |
The runway is served by one Instrument Landing System (ILS Cat1) and two VOR approaches. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) approaches as well as GNSS based Standard Instrument Departures and Standard Arrival Procedures are currently under design.
Airport Infrastructure Details
In addition to the physical attributes outlined above, the runway is equipped with approach and runway lighting. There is also a secondary power supply with a switch over time of 15 seconds. The ILS and other navigation aids serving the airfield are calibrated every 6 months. GNSS based Standard Instrument Departures and Standard Arrival Procedures are currently under design.
Customs |
Yes |
JET A-1 fuel |
Yes |
---|---|---|---|
Immigration |
Yes |
AVGAS 100 |
No |
Terminal Building |
Yes |
Single Point Refuelling |
No |
Passenger Terminal |
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
Cargo terminal |
Ground Power (mobile) |
Yes |
|
Pax Transport to Airfield |
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
Control Tower |
Yes |
Latrine Servicing |
Yes |
Weather Facilities |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) |
Cat 7 upgradable to 9 on request |
Catering Services |
No |
De-icing Equipment |
No |
Base Operating Room |
Yes |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
Airport Radar |
Yes |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes |
NDB |
Yes |
VOR |
Yes |
ILS |
Yes |
Airport Operating Details
Operating Details |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo |
A340-600 |
||
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet |
B747-400 |
||
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²) |
N/A | ||
Storage Area (m3 and MT) |
N/A | ||
Handling Equipment |
|||
Elevators / Hi Loaders |
Yes |
Max Capacity (MT) |
N/A |
Max Height (m) |
N/A |
||
Loading Ramps |
Yes |
||
Other Comments |
N/A |
Customs Guidance
Customs officials are responsible for regulating the import and export of goods into Eswatini. Customs clearance depends largely on the processing speed of the assigned clearing agent. It is recommended that paperwork be presented on the previous day for the goods to be collected on the following day. The customs offices are located inside the passenger terminal and at the Cargo Centre and they are open every time the airport is open, and this happens to be 6am to 6pm for the time being.
For more information on customs in Eswatini, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.
Storage Facilities
Currently cargo can be stored at the warehouse for a maximum of 3 days before it starts attracting charges. The Cargo warehouse is segmented into various categories of cargo i.e. Perishable cargo, general cargo, live animals, valuable cargo etc. Space is limited to each category type according to current demand. Documentation is done by Cargo agents and they also give guidance on the applicable taxes. No security charge is levied.
Airfield Costs
Navigation Charges
Air navigation charges are billed by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), South Africa on behalf of Swaziland and can be contacted on www.atns.com. Information for this table is attached as Airport Charges but handling charges are filled in. The airport charges are denominated in Emalangeni which can be converted to US dollars using the prevailing exchange rate.
Charges |
Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg) |
||
---|---|---|---|
0 - 7,000 |
7,001 - 136,000 |
136,001 and over |
|
Navigation (per journey) USD - $ |
|||
Landing USD - $ |
USD22 |
||
Night Landing USD - $ |
N/A |
||
Night Take-Off USD - $ |
N/A |
|
|
Parking |
First four (4) hours free, then usd 5 per 24 hour period or part thereof |
|
|
Handling Charges |
USD400.00 |
USD3000.00 |
USD4200.00 |
Fuel Service Charges
Avgas is not available at King Mswati III, but at Matsapha Airport, which is 50km away. Jet A1 charges change every month, but the price is generally 90 US cents a litre as of March 2022.
Price per Litre USD - $ |
|
---|---|
Jet A-1 |
$1 |
Avgas |
Nil |
Cargo Terminal Charges
A detailed narrative relating to cargo can be found with both the cargo handling agents, cargo aircraft handlers and the Revenue Authority whose contact details have been included in this document. It is important to enter into some contractual arrangements for any credit to be granted by the Handling Company. Credit terms can always be applied for and granted only to reputable and organizations of good standing. Otherwise only cash settlements are prescribed.
Import Charges |
||
---|---|---|
Type of Charge |
Rate USD - $ per kg |
Comments |
Handling Charge |
Min 11 US$ >150KG<10c/kg |
US$11 the min charge. |
Break Bulk Fee |
Nil |
Pallet breaking charge per pallet |
Diplomatic Mail |
Min 11 US$ >150KG<10c/kg |
|
Strong Room – per consignment |
No charges applied |
|
Cold Storage Fee |
Nil |
Charge is per shipment min is 65kg |
Delivery Outside Normal Working Hours |
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Preparation of substitute AOA – Invoice – Receipt |
Not applicable for now |
|
Storage per Day |
US$3.5/50kg |
Grace period (Hours)? |
Export |
||
Handling Charges – Un-palletized Cargo |
Min 11 US$ >150KG<10c/kg |
|
International Air Waybill |
1.55US$/kg |
|
Local Air Waybill |
1.55US$/kg |
|
Air Way Bill Amendment - Cancellation |
US$50.00 |
Applies to both cancellation and amendments |
Air Way Bill Documentation |
US$8.00/kg |
|
Diplomatic Mail |
1.55US$/kg |
|
Storage Charges per Day |
US$3.5/50kg |
|
Air-Bridge Charges
N/A
Security
The security setup of the airport is based on a team approach capable of preventing, detecting and responding to security emergencies and is provided in 4-fold; Aviation Security (AVSEC) at the epicentre of aviation operations, the Police, the Army and Contract security with their duties as follows;
- AVSEC – mainly for access control and the screening of persons, baggage, mail, cargo, vehicles, CCTV monitoring and perimeter patrols to mention but a few.
- The Police – they act as an AVSEC backup and provide intelligence to airport operations, conduct background checks and vetting as well as other general policing functions.
- Army (UEDF) – for the overall protection and intelligence of the Airport and off-site facilities since an airport falls under National Key Points.
- Contract Security – they act as an extended arm and eye for AVSEC mainly in guard and patrol duties on the landside area of the airport.
All the security measures in application are based on a risk assessment and a collective contingency plan is in place to ensure preparedness. Such a plan is periodically tested for efficiency and applicability.
Due to financial constraints, our screening machines are currently single view models, rendering it difficult to detect some prohibited items in the x-ray machines. The plan is to buy the equipment in peace meal, spanning for about 5 years depending on the availability and distribution of the subvention to SWACAA. The State is in a process of establishing an Air Navigation Service (ANS), which department is by standard required to develop a security programme. The ANS Security Programme shall cover all air navigation security concerns. The AVSEC Operations Unit has also introduced an Internal Quality Control Programme, which programme has been designed to detect and minimise security deficiencies as early as practicable.
2.2.2 Eswatini Matsapha National Airport
Airport Overview
Airport Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Country |
Eswatini |
Province or District |
Manzini |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Airport |
Manzini (3.5 km) |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Matsapha Airport |
Latitude |
-26.519645 |
Longitude |
31.315722 |
Elevation (ft and m) |
2078 ft |
IATA Code |
MTS |
ICAO Code |
FDMS |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority |
Management Contact Person |
Mr. Bongani E.M Lukhele Director, Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority +268 23335000 / 5301 |
NGO and/or UN Presence at Airport? |
No |
Runway
Runway #1 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2600 m x 45 m |
Runway Orientation |
07/25 |
Runway Surface |
Concrete/Asphalt PCN 71/F/C/W/T |
Runway Condition |
Good |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Infrastructure |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Passenger / Cargo Security Screening |
Yes |
Runway Lighting |
No |
Refueling Capacity |
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
Air Traffic Control |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Equipment |
Yes |
Weather Information |
Yes |
Aircraft Parking Space |
Yes |
Navigation Aids |
Yes |
Perimeter Fencing |
No |
Windsock |
Yes |
|
|
Fuel Services Charges
Price per Litre USD - $ (March 2022) |
|
---|---|
Jet A-1 |
$1 |
Avgas |
No |
Royalties / Non Objection Fees (NOFs)
Charges |
Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg) |
---|---|
|
0 - 7,000 |
Navigation (per journey) USD - $ |
|
Landing USD - $ |
$22.04 |
Night Landing USD - $ |
$22.04 |
Night Take-Off USD - $ |
$22.04 |
Parking |
$4.93 |
Handling Charges |
Depends on service provider charges |
CARGO TERMINAL CHARGES |
|
---|---|
IMPORT |
|
Type of Charge |
Rate USD - $ per kg |
Handling Charge |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Break Bulk Fee |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Diplomatic Mail |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Strong Room – per consignment |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Cold Storage Fee |
Not available |
Delivery Outside Normal Working Hours |
|
Preparation of substitute AOA – Invoice – Receipt |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Storage per Day |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
EXPORT |
|
Handling Charges – Un-palletized Cargo |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
International Air Waybill |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Local Air Waybill |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Air Way Bill Amendment - Cancellation |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Air Way Bill Documentation |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Diplomatic Mail |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
Storage Charges per Day |
Fees not constant (available upon application to operate) |
2.2.3 Eswatini National Airports and Airfields