Global Market Updates

Airport Operators & Concessions • Market Update • October 2015

Japan - Sep 23/15 - Preferred Bidder Selected for Sendai

A consortium including general contractor Maeda Corporation and railway operator Tokyu Corporation has been selected as preferred bidder by the Japanese government to secure a long-term concession of Japan’s 10th busiest airport in Sendai. In March 2011, SDJ was severely damaged by Tōhoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

Brazil - Sep 22/15 - UTC Poised to Unload its Viracopos Shares

In the wake of the ongoing corruption scandal, Brazilian engineering company UTC Engenharia is reported to be planning a liquidation of its stake in Aeroportos Brasil, which holds 45% of Viracopos airport. Industry insiders peg its value at USD140 million. A group led by Fortress Investment Group are said to be interested along with several other undisclosed parties.

United States - Sep 13/15 - Des Moines Ponders Terminal Privatization

The Des Moines airport authority is exploring various options of financing and development of new terminal facilities, including a public-private partnership approach. The existing terminal facilities are facing capacity constraints, rising maintenance costs and, increasingly, difficulties in meeting current/emerging security requirement and passenger demands

India - Sep 11/15 - India Gov't Adamant Privatizations are on Track

Contrary to recent media reports citing government plans to kill the RFQ launched by Airports Authority of India to privatize the operation, management and development of the Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Jaipur airports, Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister for Civil Aviation, has stated unequivocally “nobody has scrapped anything” and stressed process remains on track.

Serbia - Sep 08/15 - French Interest in Privatization of Belgrade Airport              

The French Ambassador to Serbia, Christine Moro, recently stated that "a French airline" is interested in privatization of Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade. In response, Zorana Mihajlovic, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure indicated that the government is receptive to potential privatization of the country’s key int’l gateway.

Greece - Sep 06/15 - Greek Islanders Call for Airport Referendum

Residents on the Greek Ionian islands have called for a referendum in reaction to the Greek government’s plans to concession fourteen of the country’s regional airports to Germany’s Fraport. Locals fear that privatization of Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Aktion airports will negatively impact the region’s economy and socioeconomic well-being of the island communities

Philippines - Sep 04/15 - Provincial Resistance to PPP Plans

Amid mixed political views, provincial interests have mobilized in an attempt to block the planned privatization of Laguindingan airport (CGY). In addition to CGY, the government plans to concession four other regional airports; Bacolod-Silay, Iloilo, Davao and New Bohol (Panglao) airports, bundled in two separate packages.