Colombia – May 26 – Bogota’s New El Dorado II Airport Setting Stage for Competitive Tension
At last, following years of study and local debate, the bidder process for the second Bogota-area airport (El Dorado II) is set to kick off in August. The initial phase, costed at US$1.06b, is slated for completion within five years of ground-breaking. On opening, it will compete directly with its namesake: privately-operated Bogota (BOG) El Dorado Int’l Airport.
Russia – May 21 – Private Operator of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport to Invest in Airfield Infrastructure
The Russian government has signed-off on a concession agreement with the private operator of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport for financing expansion at the country’s busiest airport. The deal marks the first time the Russian state has granted private investors rights to develop state-owned airfield infrastructure (ie: runways and taxiways) under a revenue share model.
Oman – May 20/18 – IPO Considered for Oman Airports Management Company
The Sultanate of Oman is considering sale of a partial stake in state-owned Oman Airports Management Company, the operator of Muscat and a variety of local/regional airports across the country. The privatization, targeted to take place by 2020, is likely to take the form of an IPO however the government has not yet taken a final decision on timing or approach.
Jamaica – May 18/18 – Deadline Extended for Kingston, Jamaica Concession Bid
The bid deadline of submittal of offers for concession of the Norman Manley Int’l Airport in Kingston, Jamaica has been extended to June. The three-month delay will provide needed time for further due diligence and consultations. Players said to be vying for the opportunity include VINCI Airports, Cedicor, Acciona Concessiones, Airports Company South Africa, GMR, Egis, Zurich, Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico, Corporacion Aeroportuario Del Este and China Harbour Engineering Company.
Malaysia – May 14/18 – Malaysia Airports Eyes Network Expansion in India
Malaysia Airports Holdings, operator of Kuala Lumpur and numerous smaller Malaysian airports, as well as Sabiha Gökçen airport in Turkey, has set its sights on securing operating rights for five yet to be identified Indian airports. The Indian government has ear-marked fifty odd airports in the country that could be developed under private investment models.
Brazil – May 11/18 – Viracopos Files for Creditor Protection Amid Traffic Shortfalls & Political Turmoil
The private concession company responsible for development and operation of Viracopos Airport has filed for bankruptcy protection, with the Brazilian securities authorities. Awarded to a French-Brazilian consortium back in 2012, the concession has fallen on hard times as traffic forecasts have failed to materialize in the wake of the “lavo-jato” scandal and associated economic downturn. Court proceedings aside, the operator has provided assurances that operations with continue, as normal.
St. Lucia – May 08/18 – St. Lucia Airport Upgrade Project on Hold as New Gov’t Ponders Delivery Options
The fate of the US$150m Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for development and expansion of Hewanorra Int’l Airport, pursued under St. Lucia’s previous government with advisory support from the IFC, remains sidelined. The new government, elected to office in 2016, shelved the PPP initiative, looking instead to alternative means/models to implement the project.
Namibia – May 05/18 – World Bank Recommends PPP Model for Namibia’s Hosea Kutako & Eros Airports
A recent World Bank report has counseled the Namibian government to structure the planned upgrade/expansion of Hosea Kutako Int’l Airport under a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Per World Bank estimates, the required investments for required terminal and runway upgrades range from US$200-400m. The report also recommends a PPP approach for Eros airport.
Myanmar – May 03/18 – Myanmar & Japan Attempt to Get Hanthawaddy Airport Project Back on Course
The on-again-off again Hanthawaddy Int’l Airport project is back in focus again, as the Japanese and Myanmar governments attempt to salvage the troubled deal. Japan is keen to fast-track the airport project however there are still key details to iron out including the total investment value which is currently estimated at US$1.5b.
Philippines – May 01/18 – Manila Airport Rehabilitation Project Remains Mired in Red Tape
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport rehabilitation project remains stalled as the National Economic and Development Authority awaits action from the Department of Transportation to give the green light on the Original Proponent Status (OPS) for the project. The OPS is a precondition to commencing the formal project review process.