Paraguay – Jul 20/17 – Asuncion Concession Award Hangs in the Balance
The future of the Asuncion concession award hangs in the balance, as the country’s Ministry of Public Works has filed an appeal to the Comptroller General to reconsider its findings. Earlier in the year, the comptroller raised issue with the tender process due to the absence of a pre-qualification stage and recommended nullifying the tender.
Rwanda – Jul 17/17 – Rwanda Signs Concession for New Kigali Airport
The Rwandan government has signed a concession agreement for the development and operation of the new Kigali-Bugesera International Airport. With an estimated construction cost of US$700m for the entire project, the first phase of work is scheduled to be completed in 27 months with a design capacity of 1.8m passengers/year.
India – Jul 15/17 – India Seeks Private Operator for Ahmedabad Airport
A dozen companies have expressed interest in pursuing a Public Private Partnership for operation and management of India’s Ahmedabad-Sardar Vallabbhai Patel International Airport. The prospective bidders include India’s GMR and GVK, as well as various key international players including the operators of Frankfurt, Zurich and Dublin airports.
Japan – Jul 10/17 – Japan’s Kumamoto Airport to be Privatized by 2020
The Japanese ministry responsible for infrastructure and transport has published tender documents for the privatization of Kumamoto Airport. The proposed concession will be structured under a 48-year contract, with a 10-year extension option in the event of natural disaster, given the region’s history of major seismic events including the Apr-2016 earthquake which severely damaged the existing terminal building. The government target date for privatization of the airport is Apr. 2020.
Madagascar – Jul 09/17 – Madagascar Concessions Two International Airports
The Ravinala Airports company, held by ADP (35%) and Bouygues (20%), along with Colas Madagascar and Meridiam (45%), took on operation and management of Madagascar’s international airports of Ivato and Fascene in December 2016. The 28-year concession contract with the Republic of Madagascar includes a new international terminal at Ivato airport, as well as runway and existing terminal refurbishments at both airports. Financing for the project was finalized in late June.
Philippines – Jul 07/17 – GMR/Megawide Seek 25-Year Extension for Cebu
GMR-Megawide, the consortium awarded the right to operate and develop Mactan-Cebu Airport back in 2014, has submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Philippine government to extend its concession a further 25 years. The proposal will be subject to a Swiss Challenge, if approved by the authorities, giving other proponents the chance to match or better the offer.
United States – Jul 06/17 – Nashville Assesses Airport Privatization Options
The Mayor of Nashville recently stated that privatization of Nashville International Airport is under consideration as the city looks to reduce capital outlay and help raise funds for ~USD$6b in planned mass transit projects. At this point there is no specific offer on the table, however the city is said to be inclined towards long-term lease versus outright sale.
Saudi Arabia – Jul 05/17 – Saudi Privatization Program in High Gear
The Saudi government has kicked its Vision 2030 privatization strategy into high gear with its recent announcements of five airport concessions which could set the stage for a wave of infrastructure privatizations across the region. The rights for Jeddah were awarded to Incheon, with Ta’if going to Munich, and TAV securing Qassem, Hail and Yanbu.
Serbia – Jul 03/17 – Strong Interest in Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport
A diverse group of bidders will advance to the next round for concession of the Nikola Tesla Int’l Airport in Belgrade. Groups pursuing the opportunity include Meridiam (France), Zurich Airport (Switzerland) and Eiffage (France); GMR (India) and GEK-Terna, (Greece), Incheon (South Korea), Yatirimlar ve isletme (Tukey) and VTB Capital (Russia); Hainan Air Travel Service (China), HNA and China National Aero Technology (China). Serbia is looking to pocket up to €400m on the deal.
Brazil – Jul 01/17 – Brazil Considers Fate of Remaining Infraero Airports
On the heels of successful privatization of four airports in its third round of divestitures, Brazil has announced plans to concession the remaining 54 airports operated by Infraero and shut down the government-owned company. Industry reaction to the news has been mixed, given modest traffic/profitability prospects for most of these second and third tier airports.