Brazil – Mar 20/17 – Rio-Galeão Airport Shares Set to Change Hands
Odebrecht S.A. is reported to be close to an agreement with Canada’s PSP Investments to sell its 60% stake in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro–Galeão airport. The proposed sale is aimed at bringing an end to the stalemate with the Brazilian government and national development bank BNDES due to financial distress triggered by the country’s lingering political and economic crisis.
Thailand – Mar 18/17 – Thailand Seeks to Streamline PPP Process
The Thai regional government has launched efforts to expedite its public-private partnership process for key infrastructure projects in the country, including expansion of U-tapao airport. The U-tapao project calls for the fast-tracking of a second terminal, increasing capacity from 3 to 15 million passengers per year, as well as construction of a second runway.
Brazil – Mar 16/17 – European Operators Sweep Brazil’s 3rd Round
Amid prolonged political and economic turmoil, the Brazilian government successfully auctioned off four airports in round three of its concession program. Fraport was successful in its bid for Fortaleza and Porto Alegre airports, Vinci secured the concession to Salvador airport and Zurich picked up the rights for development and operating of Florianopolis.
Iran – Mar 14/17 – Iran Invites Private Sector Investment in Airports
After decades of crippling sanctions, Iran is turning to private sector investment to bankroll the planned USD$3b overhaul of its national airport system. Under the ambitious plan, Mehrabad, Imam Khomeini, Tabriz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Kerman and Shiraz airports have been flagged for foreign investment. VINCI Airports is leading the charge, having already signed MOUs for Mashhad and Isfahan which, if sealed, will see two new terminals developed at Mashhad, Iran’s secondary gateway.
United States – Mar 09/17 – Ferrovial Inches Closer to Deal on Denver-Jeppesen
Six months into negotiations the Denver Airport and Ferrovial-led consortium, preferred bidder for the comprehensive upgrade of the Jeppesen Terminal, are getting closer to a binding “pre-development” agreement. An extension to the negotiation period is anticipated in order for the parties to seal the 20+ year deal and launch the renovation works.
Serbia – Mar 08/17 – Fraport Considers Bid for Belgrade Airport
The Serbian Prime Minister has tipped Fraport as a potential bidder for Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla airport. The 25-year concession, is expected to generate Є350-400m in up-front fees and annual payments of Є10+m for the government.
United States – Mar 06/17 – San Antonio Task Force Assesses Privatization Options
The San Antonio Airport has initiated a study of current challenges and future demands with the aim of expanding route capacity and traffic. The task force responsible is also looking into alternative management models, including various privatization options to improve its competitive position against regional rivals including Austin-Bergstrom airport.
India – Mar 04/17 – Preliminary Nod Given for Kerala Greenfield Project
Kerala’s cabinet recently granted approval-in-principle for development of a greenfield airport near the Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta pilgrimage area to serve the many millions of worshippers that visit from November to January annually.
Cambodia – Mar 03/17 – VINCI Celebrates 20 Years in Cambodia
VINCI Airports recently marked 20 years of operations in Cambodia managing three airports; Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanouk, through dramatic annual double-digit growth. The future of VINCI’s Siem Reap concession has, however, taken an unexpected turn with the government’s 2016 award of a nearby greenfield project to a Chinese group.
India – Mar 02/17 – GVK Clinches Navi-Mumbai Project
Fraught with seemingly endless delays, twists and turns, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) announced GVK as the victor for the Navi-Mumbai bid. GMR, recent winner of the Goa-Mopa greenfield project, was reported to be the only other bidder on the project, despite numerous groups having prequalified in the lead up to the final deadline.