Johannesburg / O R Tambo International Airport

[Jim M]

The ICAO code for JNB was changed on 10 Jan 2013 from FAJS to FAOR.
Apart from the obvious,being the airport's name,anyone know the reason for the change?

As far as I know,the airport had its name previously,so I'm just curious as to why they would change the code now?

Cheers
Jim

[Nick Te Mata]

JNB was originally named after the South African philosopher Jan Smuts, which is where the 'JS' in FAJS would have originated. JNB didn't become OR Tambo until 2006, so it seems the airport authority is simply chasing the eight ball.

[Jim M]

Should have just left the ICAO code as it was I reckon.....

Seems pointless nearly 7 years after the airport name change

Jim

[Owen H]

Jan Smuts was a supporter, and instigator, of racial segregation (the forefather of apartheid) in South Africa.

It is hardly surprising that the current government has been removing references and honours to the people that thought in such a way (hence OR Tambo International). It follows that they would probably want to get rid of the initials in FAJS too!

Or, more likely, someone thought about it and realised that FAJS doesn't really point to anything anymore, and may as well make it something more relevant.

[Matthew Chisholm]

Nice airport that one.

[Jim M]

Definitely agree!

Jim