Canada – Oct 25/16 – YVR Voices Opposition to Govt’s Privatization Plan
Vancouver Airport Authority is mounting a vigorous lobby against the Canadian government’s feared plan for a sell-off of Canada’s busiest airports, including YVR. Operating on not-for-profit, non-share capital basis for the past 20+ years, these “national” airports are now being considered for out-right sale by the federal government based on recommendations flowing out of a federal Transportation Act review led by past YVR chief executive and former federal cabinet minister David Emerson.
United States – Oct 19/16 – CBX Bridges the Tijuana – San Diego Divide
The innovative Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, nestled up next to the Mexican border, opened last December just outside San Diego and now links Tijuana airport with the San Diego area via two 400 foot pedestrian bridges. The CBX facility, developed by a visionary group of Mexican/US investors, is expected to handle over 1.3m passengers in its first year.
Brazil – Oct 13/16 – Brazilian Government Poised to Launch Third Round
Amid several existing concession holders facing low traffic/revenues and potential default thanks to Brazil’s prolonged recession and political crisis, the government is gearing up to launch the bidding process for Fortaleza, Salvador, Porto Alegre and Florianopolis. Meanwhile, Corporación América and others are seeking new partners for their existing concessions.
Philippines – Oct 10/16 – Philippines Restarts Regional Airport Bidding Process
The Philippine government has signaled its intent to resume the PPP bidding process by year-end for five regional airports in two packages; the first being Iloilo and Bacolod-Silay airports and the second Davao, New Bohol (Panglao) and Laguindingan airports. The process stalled earlier this year in the run-up to national elections which brought Rodrigo Duterte to power.
Nigeria – Oct 08/16 – TAV Shows Interest in Nigerian Airport Concessions
Despite sparking highly public labour protests, the Nigerian government appears committed to forge ahead with its plans to concession the Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports. It has also been reported that TAV Havalimaniari Holding AS is among several international firms that have expressed initial interest in the government’s privatization initiative.
Jamaica – Oct 07/16 – Kingston Privatization Gets Kick-start from New Gov’t
The newly-elected Jamaican government has set up a 12-member committee to re-energize the Norman Manley International Airport (Kingston) privatization project. In addition to a strong core of private industry leaders, the new group will include economic growth and job creation, transport and mining, Airports Authority and Attorney General’s office representation.
United States – Oct 05/16 – LAX Forges Ahead with USD$2.7b People Mover Project
Los Angeles airport has short-listed five private investor groups to submit proposals for a new people-mover project priced at USD$2.7b. Interested parties include LA Connext Partners (Bechtel-Ferrovial), Gateway Connectors (Kiewit-Skanska USA) and LINXS (Dragados – Fluor-Balfour Beatty-Flatiron). All having strong track-records in infrastructure/transportation projects.
Puerto Rico – Oct 04/16 – Oaktree Seeks Exit from San Jose Concession
Oaktree Capital, one of two private investors in Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport are looking to liquidate their 50% share in in the joint venture responsible for operating the airport under a long-term lease agreement. Despite the island nation’s USD$70m debt crisis and prolonged recession, airport passenger volumes have proven to be resilient.
Singapore – Oct 02/16 – No Privatization in the Cards for Changi’s New T5
The Singapore government has decided that the new Changi Airport Terminal 5 project will not be developed under a privatized model, despite previous indications to the contrary. The decision to operate a fully government-run enterprise is aimed at ensuring that profits do not take priority over level-of-service and cost effectiveness.
Japan – Oct 01/16 – Orix Expected to Bid on Upcoming Kobe Concession
Government plans were recently announced for auction of Kobe airport in 2017 under an airport concession. Orix, the lead Japanese investor for Kansai/Itami, is one of the expected bidders for Kobe, in the hopes of gaining operational efficiencies.