Lithuania – Aug 18/16 – Lithuania to Host First Airport Investors Conference
The Lithuanian government will host an Investors Conference to lay out its concession plans for the Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga airports. Scheduled for September 21st in Vilnius, the session will be facilitated by the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport, Lithuanian Airports and Invest Lithuania. Earlier in the year the government engaged InterVISTAS as its advisor for the project.
Chile – Aug 12/16 – Santiago’s New Investor Group Secures Financing
The AdP/Vinci/Astaldi consortium, with support from Linklater and Morales & Besa, have secured a US$515 million dual currency syndicated loan agreement with local and foreign banks to fund expansion of Chile’s Santiago Int’l airport.
Cuba – Aug 10/16 – French Consortium Secures Deal for Havana Airport
The Cuban government has given French firms AdP and Bouygues the nod to expand, update and operate Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Following a decades long embargo, the lifting of US-led sanctions is set to trigger a wave of much-needed investment in the island nations antiquated transportation and tourism infrastructure.
Russia – Aug 08/16 – Fraport to Shed Shares in St. Petersburg Airport
German airport operator Fraport has announced plans to sell part of its interest in St. Petersburg airport to the Qatar Investment Authority. Citing a lagging rouble and declining passenger volumes for the divestment, the sale is estimated to yield Fraport €30-40 million for 10.5% of its 35.5% stake in the airport concession company.
Nigeria – Aug 07/16 – Nigerian Unions Resist Government Privatization Push
Unionized workers from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria are voicing strong opposition to the federal government’s recently announced plans to concession Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano airports. Driven by financial woes linked to depressed oil prices, the government is courting private sector investment to develop/operate the nation’s key air gateways.
Philippines – Aug 05/16 – Site of Manila’s New Airport Still Up in the Air
Press reports in March indicated that a pre-feasibility study was in the works for two potential sites (Sangley Point in Cavite and Laguna Lake) for the new US$10b Manila – Ninoy Aquino airport – however, following recent national elections, the new Duterte government is said to be considering the alternative options of investing in Pampanga/Clark, as well.
Brazil – Aug 04/16 – Brazil Puts “Steak & Bone” on the Menu
Brazil may opt for “steak and bone” approach, bundling profitable operations like Congonhas and Santos Dumont with loss-making airports. Following privatization of the Guarulhos, Campinas, Brasília, Confins and Galeão airports in 2012 and 2013, Infraero is now left with only ten profitable operations out it is 60 remaining airports. It has also absorbed 80% of staff from the privatized airports, contributing significantly to the US$917m loss in its most recent fiscal year.
United Kingdom – Aug 03/16 – London City Secures Planning Permission for Capacity Expansion
On the heels of the £2b sale of LCY to a Canadian-led consortium in late February, LCY recently announced that it has secured government planning permission for a £344m development program to expand capacity to 6.5 million passengers/year by 2025. New capital works will include terminal expansion, seven new aircraft stands and parallel taxiway extension.
United Kingdom – Aug 02/16 – Manchester Group Posts Strong Fiscal Performance
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG), operator of Manchester, London-Stansted, Bournemouth and East Midlands airports, has posted an EBITDA of £318m for fiscal year 2015/16, up 12% from previous year, due largely to record passenger volumes of nearly 52m for the group, up 7% year-over-year. In the Brexit aftermath, it remains to be seen whether MAG will dial back its £1b, 10-year capital development plan for Manchester.
India – Aug 01/16 – Shirdi Greenfield Project Nearing Completion
The Maharashtra state government expects to launch operations at the Shirdi greenfield airport this October. The new facility will cater primarily to worshippers trekking to a nearby temple located in Ahmednagar district.