Despite recent declines in air cargo activity throughout Africa and forecasts predicting only minimal increases, major airports across the region are launching terminal projects in anticipation of rebounding global economic activity. Developments in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Angola and Ghana are among those now moving into construction.
In January, Ethiopian Airlines announced it had signed a $148-million turnkey contract with Unitechnik Systems GmbH and Varnero Construction for construction of a second cargo terminal and apron at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. According to the airline, the terminal—to be constructed over the next two years—will have capacity for 600,000 tons of annual cargo, with apron parking capacity for five Boeing 747 aircraft. The project will double the airport’s existing freight cargo capacity, to 1.2 million tons annually. At the same time, Ethiopian Airlines announced plans to build a third cargo terminal at the airport following the completion of the current project.