2 Eswatini Logistics Infrastructure

2 Eswatini Logistics Infrastructure

Overview

The overall national logistical infrastructure includes roads, rail, airways, telecommunications and energy systems. Roads account for approximately 4594km of which 1500km are paved and 3000km unpaved but is government-maintained gravel roads gazetted by the Eswatini government. Rail accounts for 300km of coverage locally connected to Mozambique (Maputo Port) and South Africa (Durban Port).  Since Eswatini is landlocked the closest shipping port is Maputo habour in Mozambique. While the Richards Bay Port and the Port of Durban also service the country from South Africa via Rail and Road access. 

Eswatini Railway has a dry port located centrally in Matsapha as well as smaller deports strategically positioned country wide aiding in connecting the railway line to the country’s main roads. 

There are two major airports in the country i.e. King Mswati III (KM III) International airport in Sikhuphe which is newly built and commenced operations in 2014 and the privately used Matsapha International Airport. 

The Government of Eswatini invests heavily in logistics infrastructure in the line with Government’s Programme of Action (2013 - 2018) to meet His Majesty’s Vision 2022. Private investment includes partnering with African Development Bank (AFDB) and The World Bank to boost private sector growth. The Government of Eswatini with the assistance of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2013 commissioned a Transport Master Plan called the Swaziland Transport Master Plan (STMP) to guide policy‐making, investment, regulation and institutional strengthening in the transport sector over the next 20 years. The Master Plan covers the road, rail and air sub‐sectors both within Eswatini and major transport links with and into neighbouring countries and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPWT) was appointed as the Executing Agency for preparation of the master plan. The master plan was developed through a series of steps including: assessment of existing infrastructure, services and transport performance; forecasts of demand based on population growth and socio‐economic development in Eswatini and the region; analysis of future requirements for infrastructure and services; development of strategies, technical and economic appraisal and prioritisation of options to include;

  • Investment programmes in road, rail and airport infrastructure to meet the needs of the entire population, reduce user costs and improve overall performance
  • Maintenance and rehabilitation programmes needed to preserve road, rail and airport infrastructure assets
  • Institutional strengthening initiatives needed for effective transport sector management; and
  • Revisions in policies, legislation and regulations needed for improved transport sector performance and for complying with regional transport protocols.

 Objective and Scope

The objective was to prepare a transport master plan covering the next 20 years to 2032 which will include a programme of investments and a time‐bound action plan. The principal activities included in the preparation work included:

  • Review of national transport policy at the sector and sub‐sector levels, progress made in implementation, and its relevance to current and future needs.  The review included an assessment of the policy in a regional context taking account of Eswatini’s memberships in SACU, SADC and COMESA;
  • Review of organisational and institutional arrangements and division of functions
  • Assessment of transport sector performance over the past 5‐10 years
  • Traffic studies and forecasts of traffic growth over the next 20 years under different scenarios
  • Review of current project selection and prioritisation procedures
  • Review of existing information systems, data and feasibility reports in the transport sector
  • Incorporation of environmental principles and best practice in all planning aspects of the Master plan right from the planning stage of projects
  • Preparation of a phased investment programme in each sub‐sector including actions to improve transport integration
  • Recommendation for an organisational and institutional development plan
  • Recommendation for a transport policy implementation plan
  • Preparation of a transport master plan for a 20‐year time horizon; and
  • Training of a core team on appraisal of transport projects using HDM‐4 and similar computer tools

Eswatini like any other country; has issues with a positive as well as a negative impact on its infrastructure, at national level. Positive impacts include; roads which provide connectivity and socio-economic growth. Vehicle operating costs, travel time and distance travelled are optimized as a result. Negative impacts include; increased traffic volumes due to influx of grey imports resulting in increased accident rate, road maintenance and environmental deterioration. Road maintenance costs have also increased. Limited funding responses from Government have resulted in inadequate network coverage and poor road conditions.

Eswatini has national projects that are underway or planned.

  • Upgrading of Piggs Peak – Bulembu Road and Piggs Peak – Bulandzeni Road (57km in total). Commencement to be confirmed.
  • Rehabilitation and ugrading of Motshane – Matsamo road (88km), Feasibility completed and construction commencement to be confirmed.
  • Upgrading of MR14 i.e. Maloma – Nsoko road (30km), Commencement still to be confirmed.
  • Upgrading MR21 i.e. Maloma – Nsalitshe (38km), commencement to be confirmed.
  • Upgrading MR13 Nhlangano – Sicunusa (42km) ongoing completion expected April 2023.



For reference, please see the attached link: Swaziland Transport Master Plan (2013)



2.1 Eswatini Port Assessment

The kingdom of Eswatini is a landlocked country relying for port services on the Port of Durban in RSA and Port of Maputo in Mozambique which are key gate ways into the country through developed connecting road and rail infrastructure.

2.1.1 South Africa Port of Durban

2.1.2 Mozambique Port of Maputo



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

  • Civil Aviation Authority (Aircraft Registration and Marking) Regulations, 2011 b.
  • Advisory Circular-Aircraft. Registration Acceptance- AC-AWS001A
  • Application Form AC- AWS001-Application for certificate of registration
  • Application Form AC- AWS031-Particulars regarding the applicant
  • Application Form-O- AWS002C Aircraft Systems and Equipment Installation
  • Importation Guidance and Application Form-AC- AWS002AA

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.

  • Civil Aviation Authority (Approved Maintenance organizations) Regulations, 2011
  • Advisory Circular-Certification of Approved Maintenance Organizations -AC-AWS006A
  • Application Form AC-AWS006B- Application for Approved Maintenance Organization

 www.eswacaa.co.sz

2.

Document evaluation and assessment

ESWACAA Offices and physical inspection at AMO Maintenance Base

3.

  • Civil Aviation Authority (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2011 b.  Advisory Circular-Issue of C of A-AC-AWS002A
  • Application Form AC-AWS002A- Application for certificate of Airworthiness

www.eswacaa.co.sz

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)

  • Civil Aviation Authority (Approved Maintenance Organizations) Regulations, 2011
  • Advisory Circular-Certification of Approved Maintenance Organizations-AC- AWS006A
  • Application Form AC-AWS006B- Application for Approved Maintenance Organization

www.eswacaa.co.sz

2.

Document Evaluation

Document evaluation and assessment

ESWACAA Offices and physical inspection at AMO Maintenance Base

3.

Application for C of A

  • Civil Aviation Authority (Airworthiness) Regulations, 2011
  • Advisory Circular- Issue of C of A- AC-AWS002A
  • Application Form AC-AWS002A- Application for certificate of Airworthiness

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:



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

bongani@eswacaa.co.sz

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

bongani@eswacaa.co.sz

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



2.4 Eswatini Railway Assessment

Overview

The Eswatini Railways connects the country to Four (4) Sea ports; 2 in South Africa and 2 in Mozambique. Ports of Durban, Richards Bay in South Africa and Maputo and Matola Ports in Mozambique through its north/south line. This line links these ports to the Matsapha Dry Port / Inland Container Depot (ICD) where bulk cargo imports are delivered into Eswatini including containers. The ICD is wholly owned and operated by Eswatini Railways (ESR) and was constructed in 1993 with assistance from the Taiwan government. It has a capacity of 500TEU and average receipt of three trains of 40 wagons weekly of Import and three trains of Export goods. Another ICD is being constructed called the Mpaka Inland Port in the Lubombo region initially planned for completion in March 2022.

ESR is in partnership and business agreements with South African rail under SADAC with headquarters in Zimbabwe. They are currently involved in development of a new rail project from Port of Durban to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Traffic stream for the ESR is 85% Transit cargo of metals and ores and 15% other goods that include Fuel Imports from South Africa and Wheat, while exports handled include Bulk Sugar and Coal.

The Matsapha ICD is the 2nd biggest point of entry in terms of imports and Exports in the country after Ngwenya. Upon arrival of containers at the ICD, Eswatini railways provides a door to door service that delivers containers conveniently straight to the customers and containers back to the yard. It has a bonded warehouse and have all service providers on site, the revenue authority, forwarding and clearing agents and shipping lines like MSC and Safmarine. The main activity of the ICD is handling mainly goods coming from outside Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region which comprises Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. The main stakeholders to the ICD are ESR and shipping lines like Maersk, MSC, CMA and CGM.

Eswatini railways is one of the most reliable railways in the SADC region in terms of transit time, with few manageable delays from port to Matsapha. It tracks cargo from port to Matsapha and shipping lines track from overseas origin to the port. There is a reputable record of safety with very few incidents of vandalism or theft.

Eswatini railways has undertaken a feasibility study regarding expansion of the ICD to provide more storage space and other services to broaden their capacity. The Eswatini Government has already allocated land to undertake the expansion.

The government of Eswatini in October 2021 put out a tender for the development of the Mpaka Inland Container Depot, a new ICD which is conceptualised to reduce the constraints on the Matsapha ICD with provision of more container space and Sugar Mills and ethanol producers operations support.

Home — Eswatini Railways

Railway Companies and Consortia

Eswatini Railways is a government owned parastatal that runs its operations commercially without any government subvention. The track is maintained and railways runs its own rolling stock. They report to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and there is currently no agency responsible for regulating rail transport in Eswatini.

ESR is the largest hauler of goods in the country and the only railway operator. Government does not regulate the pricing of rates. Benchmarking is done with the operators in the region and consider operating costs to stipulate rates. Rates given to customers are for both the rail and ship legs. Customers get rates through ESR or the shipping lines. 

Capacity Table

Rail Operator Capacity



Operator / Company Name

Lines Operates On

Golela – Komatipoort line (North/South)

Phuzumoya-Matsapha line

Max Train Length and / or Pulling Capacity

Golela-Komatipoort (70wagons)

Phuzumoya-mtsp (40wagons)

Locomotives

(e.g. Electric / Diesel / Steam) dielsel electric GE engines

Covered Freight Wagons Size (m)

12 and 6m containers. Wheat/grain wagons are also available.

Flatbed Freight Wagons Size (m)

6m and 12m flatbeds

High-sided Freight Wagons Size (m)

Currently have 200 wagons. Using some of them for sugar export

Drop-side Freight Wagons Size (m)

N/A

Key Route Information

 

Standard Route Information

Track Gauge

1067 mm for the whole network

Ruling Gradient

1/100 and 1/80

Total Track Distance

301 km

Type of Rail

Welded

Type of Sleeper and Fastenings

Concrete sleepers pintrose etc

Total Track Travel Time

Durban/matsapha 3days 

Companies / Consortiums Operating on Line

Eswatini Railways

Traffic Frequency

3 trains a week on Durban/MTSP

Security

Good

Main Stations

Matsapa and Mpaka

Key Stations

Key Station Information

Station Name

Matsapha

Location

Matsapha, Eswatini

Contact Information

Box 431, Matsapha

Info@swazirail.co.sz

+268 5176000

Connections with Other

Transport Means

KMIII International Airport is 15km from Mpaka Station. Road connection.

Handling Equipment

Reach stackers and fork lifts

Handling Capacity

15471 TEUs in 17/18