Jordan – Dec 26/17 – AdP to Assume Control of Queen Alia Concession
ADP is poised to take a majority stake in Airport International Group, the project company with rights for development and operation of Jordan’s Queen Alia Int’l Airport. The deal, first announced at GAD World – Paris in November, is reported to be worth US$267m. Co-investors Meridiam, ASMA Capital Partners and current Jordanian shareholder Edgo will hold the minority.
France – Dec 19/17 – Lyon Celebrates 10m Passenger Milestone
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) recently celebrated a major traffic milestone, welcoming over 10m passengers in 2017—a record for the recently privatized airport. In 2016, the French state awarded a 60% stake in LYS to the consortium of VINCI, Caisse des Depots et Consignations and Predica (Credit Agricole’s insurance unit).
Colombia – Dec 15/17 – Airplan Inaugurates Latest Expansion in Medellin
Airplan, operator of Medellin’s José María Córdova Airport (MDE), recently inaugurated the next phase of terminal capacity expansion. The US$117m project included five new domestic aircraft parking stands and three new positions in the international terminal. In related news, Mexico’s ASUR is in the process of acquiring a majority stake in Airplan and Aeropuertos Oriente for a total ticket price to US$262m.
United States – Dec 12/17 – CBX Marks its Second Year of Cross Border Operations
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, located just outside of San Diego, California, marked its second year of operations in December, handled roughly two million passengers in 2017. CBX travelers making their journey to/from Tijuana Airport (TIJ) across two 390-foot pedestrian bridges spanning the US-Mexico border wall pay USD30 per round trip for the convenience.
Nepal – Dec 09/17 – Nepal Mulls Over Airport Privatization Options
Private sector participation is reportedly being considered for the operation of Nepal’s Gautam Buddha Airport. Sources say the National Planning Commission has been exploring P3 scenarios with the Asian Development Bank, financier of the airport’s ongoing USD55m upgrade. A feasibility study has been recommended to evaluate privatization options.
Philippines – Dec 08/17 – Four Regional Philippine Airports Going O&M Route
The Philippine government has announced that it will be bidding out four regional airports (Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod and Laguindingan) in 2018 for private sector operation and maintenance, following feasibility study review. Capital investment will be funded through official development assistance, general appropriations and/or the national budget.
Greece – Dec 06/17 – New Crete Greenfield Airport to Break Ground in 2018
Despite repeated delays in the tendering and award process, construction on the new Kasteli Airport is set to commence in June 2018. The Indo-Greek joint venture of GMR and GEK-TERNA will be taking on the build at an estimated cost of €480m, with completion targeted for 2023.
Argentina – Dec 05/17 – Corporación América Retains Argentine Concessions
Quelling speculation on the future of Corporación América’s airport concessions in Argentina, the country’s Transport Minister made a recent public statement advising that “differences we had were remedied after [Corporación América] agreed to structural changes that coincide with our vision” relating to chairmanship of Aeropuertos Argentina 2000.
Thailand – Dec 04/17 – Thai Airports to See More Private Sector Participation
Thailand’s Department of Airports is considering the hand-over of management responsibilities for Tak and Udon Thani airports to the Airports of Thailand (AoT). The Thai government owns 70% of AoT, with the remaining 30% held by private sector interests. The move is aimed at improving infrastructure and operational performance at the two airports.
Bangladesh – Dec 02/17 – AviAlliance Eyes Airport Development in Bangladesh
Germany’s AviAlliance is reported to be pursuing a formation of a partnership with Bangladesh for the development of Bangabandhu International Airport, with the aim of positioning Bangladesh as an aviation hub linking global markets, east and west. Three potential sites are currently under consideration in the districts of Madaripur, Munshiganj and Dhaka.