AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT International News
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Page 1 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
Published biweekly – available by annual subscription only – details & order online at: www.mombergerairport.info
Publisher: Martin Lamprecht martin@mombergerairport.info – Founding Editor: Manfred Momberger
News Editors: Paul Ellis paul@mombergerairport.info – Marnix (Max) Groot max@mombergerairport.info
Momberger Airport Information by Air Trans Source Inc. – international news & data – published since 1973
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT International News
Each issue of Airport Development focuses on a different region of the world, with global news at the end of this section. A list of
past focus regions published in recent years can be downloaded from the Bonus section in the subscriber pages of our website.
Focus Region: South America Other Regions from page 11
ARGENTINA
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport, Buenos Aires’ domestic airport and the nation’s second
busiest, is being upgraded, enabling the airport to handle international flights. The USD 62,56-
million project will include lengthening and rehabilitation of the runway, the installation of new
navigational aids, and enlargement of the passenger terminal. About USD 44 million will be used for the
maintenance and rehabilitation of the runway and to extend it by 615 meters (2,000 feet). This will
enable the airport to receive heavier and larger aircraft such as the Airbus 330. It will open the airport
not only to flights to and from neighbouring countries but also to countries as far away as Peru. The
project will be completed in February 2020 and is part of a larger program to upgrade the nation’s
airports (see next article below).
Some industry actors have complained that the funds are being allocated to expand the
airport, when other urgent needs are pressing the entire industry, with aircraft on the ground
and a low turnover due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that air traffic will take two to three
years to return to 2019 levels.
In addition to this slow recovery, Latam Argentina, the second largest carrier at Aeroparque and the one
that was slated to take the most advantage of the regionalization of the airport, has ceased operations.
As a result, the metropolitan area will have three major airports: Ezeiza, with less air traffic because of
the post-pandemic scenario; Aeroparque, expanded and with less activity than expected; and Palomar,
where the low-cost airlines currently operate. #1138.1
The Argentinian government has announced that USD 1.4 billion will be invested in
upgrading the country’s airports, despite the downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the
overall complicated socio-economic outlook in the country. The announcement was made late last
summer (2020) by Mario Meoni, Argentina’s minister of transport.
A total of 223 projects will be undertaken at 43 airports. Details are still sparse, but projects will include
the remodelling of passenger terminals, installation of new ILS systems and runway lighting, the upgrade
and construction of new control towers, and the upgrade of road infrastructure and parking lots.
Investments will be made both by the government and the private sector (see next article). #1138.2
Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, Argentina’s largest airport operator, has pledged to invest USD
2.5 billion after receiving a 10-year extension for its airport concession. The company's
concession was extended until 2038 after the Alberto Fernández administration extended a previous
agreement, which would otherwise have ended in 2028. Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, owned by its
parent company, Aeropuertos de Corporación América, operates 35 airports in the second-largest
economy in South America.
The move comes as the airline industry struggles to recover amid a historic crisis due to the global
slowdown in travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 2 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
notes that Argentina implemented the second strictest lockdown measures in the region. It estimates that
passenger volumes will not return to pre-pandemic levels before 2023 or 2024.
As part of the extension, the company commits to investing USD 2.5 billion and plans to spend USD 1.4
billion of that in the first seven years. The company will likely turn to the markets at some point during
that period to finance its initial investment, according to Martín Eurnekian, the president of Aeropuertos
Argentina 2000.
The company is in talks with the government to determine how infrastructure investments
will be allocated as priorities have changed because of the pandemic, said the operator's chief
executive, Daniel Ketchibachian. Estimates show that Argentina has ended 2020 with a 77 percent drop
in air traffic compared to 2019. Around three-quarters of the company's revenues are directly related to
passenger traffic, and the rest is related to the activity of cargo, which registered a decrease in volumes,
although it remained uninterrupted during the pandemic. #1138.3
BOLIVIA
Bolivia is looking to turn Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz into an international hub. This was
stated by the country's president, Jeanine Áñez, who presented and signed “Supreme Decree 4347” last
fall, through which it allows "renegotiating and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding under new
terms." In 2019, Groupe ADP was chosen, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding under
the government of Evo Morales, for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and financing of the
Viru Viru International Airport hub, the country’s busiest, in which ADP committed to an investment
of USD 420 million. The concession will last for 30 years.
With the approval of the new decree, a “Superior Council” council is created with representation from all
relevant stakeholders: the ministries of Public Works, Development Planning and Economy, the Airport
Administration and Auxiliary Services to Air Navigation (AASANA), and Bolivian Airport Services (SABSA).
This Superior Council may modify, renegotiate, and sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with the
preferred bidder. It is currently unclear what the consequences of this decree are for the MoU signed
with Groupe ADP. #1138.4
BRAZIL
Brasília “President Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport” will develop an airport city.
Early in 2020, Brazil’s third busiest airport was granted the environmental license to develop commercial,
leisure and service facilities on the airport property. Plans include the construction of a shopping centre, a
hotel, an events and cultural centre, an entertainment park, a club, a multipurpose space, department
stores, educational institutions, and a hospital. The total development area is 721 hectares. #1138.5
The expansion works at Fortaleza Airport has been concluded. The runway of “Pinto Martins
International Airport”, the nation’s 11th busiest, has been extended by 210 meters (690 feet) to 2,755
meters (9,040 feet) in length, allowing the airport to receive larger and heavier aircraft.
The expansion and rehabilitation of the passenger terminal had been completed earlier. The expansion
included a new check-in area with 40 counters for domestic flights and 20 positions for international
flights, eight new gates with boarding bridges, an elevated access road connecting to the departures
level, and the replacement of all baggage conveyors.
The airport is run by Fraport Brasil S.A. Aeroporto de Fortaleza, a subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt
Airport Services Worldwide. In 2017, Fraport won a 30-year concession, which started in August
20217. The operational takeover of the airport followed in early 2018. #1138.6
A project to extend the runway at Porto Alegre “Salgado Filho International Airport” is
underway. The runway at the airport, the nation’s tenth busiest, will be extended from 2,280 meters
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 3 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
(7,480 feet) to 3,200 meters (10,500 meters). The project should have been underway already but was
delayed by drainage issues at the airport, which needed to be studied, as well as the COVID-19
pandemic. The project is scheduled to be finalized in December 2021 but that is subject to change.
A new International Cargo Terminal is also under construction. With an area of 10,615 square
meters (114,260 square feet) it is twice the size of the existing facility. The spacious layout of the new
complex will enable better stacking and improved storage capacity and cargo processing. The project will
have new administrative areas and modern offices. The project requires an investment of USD 9.5 million
and works are scheduled to end in the second half of 2021. The new International Cargo Terminal will
virtually triple the cargo processing and handling capacity, from 35 thousand to 100 thousand tons per
year.
Several other projects have recently been completed, such as the expansion of the passenger
terminal and the construction of a parking garage. Like Fortaleza, the Porto Alegre Airport is run by
Fraport Brasil, a subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. The Porto Alegre Airport
Concession Agreement is effective for 25 years from August 29th, 2017. The Concessionaire is
responsible for the expansion, modernization, and maintenance of the airport infrastructure. Fraport
Brasil fully took over the airport’s operations on January 2nd, 2018. #1138.7
Several projects to construct greenfield airports are likely to be delayed due to the COVID-19
pandemic. They include the New São Paulo Airport (NASP) project. The project, awarded to infrastructure
company CCR, involves building a new airport to serve the Sao Paulo metropolitan area that would
complement the existing airports. After the final phase is completed it should be able to process 50
million passengers annually. The runways will be built to accommodate the world's largest aircraft, such
as the Airbus A380. The Capex is estimated to be at USD 2 billion.
Another project likely to be delayed is the construction of Campos Gerais International Airport.
The USD 1.4 billion project involves construction of a 3,680-meter (12,000-foot) runway with the
capacity for the Airbus A380/380F. The airport, in Paraná state, will be the largest in Latin America with
capacity to handle 750,000 take-offs and landings a year. The airport will focus on freight, with access to
railways, ports, and highways, and is planned to become a regional cargo hub. Companhia Aeroportuária
dos Campos Gerais (CACG) has been seeking investors for the project.
The construction of “20 September International Airport” involves building an international airport
on a 2,500-hectare site in Rio Grande do Sul state. It is intended to be an alternative to the Salgado Filho
International Airport, which is expected to become increasingly congested. The investment is estimated
to be more than USD 500 million.
Another major project is the construction of a new international airport in Pouso Alegre. Located
in Minas Gerais state, the project has capex of USD 453 million. The airport will be known as “Padre
Senador José Bento Leite Ferreira de Melo Airport”. The project involves operation of the current airport
via a concession. #1138.8
Infraero delivered the renovation and expansion works at the Foz do Iguaçu International
Airport. With an investment of USD 8 million the capacity of the passenger terminal practically doubled,
from 2.6 million to 5 million passengers annually. The expansion included check-in areas, a new
departure lounge for international domestic flights, expansion of commercial spaces, new bathrooms,
escalators, and luggage carousels. In addition, the terminal has two new elevators and four boarding
bridges, improving passenger circulation.
“Foz do Iguaçu is a renowned tourist destination, one of the main postcards in Brazil. We delivered a
terminal in line with the importance and relevance of this city”, pointed out the president of Infraero,
Brigadier Paes de Barro, who says that the reforms and expansion contribute to the development of
tourism and the economy in the country and in the region.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 4 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
Several works are still ongoing: The aircraft parking apron is also being expanded with four stands. The
runway also received improvements. It is being resurfaced and is being lengthened by 600 meters (2,000
feet), making flights to Central America and the United States possible. The apron and runway
improvements require an investment of USD 10 million. #1138.9
A Brazilian government decree has determined that the city of Campinas' financially troubled
Viracopos airport should be re-auctioned. The decree, which was published last summer, said the
Economy Minister would analyse whether the airport's debt will be transferred to a new operator in the
future. The airport, one of Sao Paulo state's largest, is currently operated by Triunfo, which is under
bankruptcy protection. #1138.10
Brazilian airport authority ANAC has set the date for the auction of 22 airports as part of the
government’s ambitious concessions program. The auction is scheduled for April 7, 2021, and
interested companies must submit their bids on April 1, ANAC said. The airports are located in the south,
north and central-west regions of the country and the concession contracts will be for 30 years with a
combined investment estimated at USD 1.20 billion. The government plans to offer the airports in three
blocks, combining more profitable with less profitable ones.
The southern block comprises the Curitiba, Foz do Iguaçu, Londrina and Bacacheri airports in Paraná
state, Navegantes and Joinville in Santa Catarina, and Pelotas, Uruguaiana and Bagé in Rio Grande do
Sul. The minimum auction fee set by the government is USD 24,2 million, with required investments
estimated at USD 531 million and expected revenues during the 30-year period of USD 1,38 billion.
The central-west airports serve Goiânia in Goiás state, Palmas in Tocantins, Teresina in Piauí, Petrolina in
Pernambuco, and São Luís and Imperatriz in Maranhão. The minimum fee was set at USD 15,2 million,
with the expected investment and revenue being USD 335 million and USD 652 million, respectively.
The northern block comprises the Manaus, Tabatinga and Tefé airports in Amazonas state, Rio Branco
and Cruzeiro do Sul in Acre, Porto Velho in Rondônia, and Boa Vista in Roraima. The government set the
minimum fee at USD 8,9 million, with required investments of USD 276 million and expected revenues
USD 671 million
The upcoming auction will be closely watched by market participants as the infrastructure
sector has been the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government recently
approved financial support for several airport operators affected by the pandemic by reducing their
concession fees. #1138.11
CHILE
The new international terminal at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is scheduled to
be completed in the first quarter of 2021. The USD 560-million terminal boasts a total floorspace of
175,000 square meters (1,883,684 square feet) and features four boarding concourses with 42 boarding
bridges.
In the meantime, Chile’s public works ministry (MOP) launched a USD 974,000-project to update the
master plan of Arturo Merino Benítez Airport and to propose a location for a possible new airport in the
country’s central region. The contract for Santiago’s airport involves carrying out passenger demand
studies, carrying out a feasibility review for an eventual third runway, diagnosis of current infrastructure,
and proposing expansion alternatives.
As for the potential second airport in central Chile, the study will have to propose a location for the
airport, which will be selected from the following locations: the Valparaíso region coastal zone,
Casablanca valley, Linderos-Buin-Paine, Maipo-Talagante-Peñaflor and Graneros-Rancagua-Requínoa-
Rengo-Pelequén. The contractor will also be required to study an additional area of its own choosing.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 5 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
The contractor was to be selected in November 2020. The status of the project is unknown but it’s likely
to have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. #1138.12
The passenger terminal of Pichoy Airport will be expanded. The airport, the second busiest in the
country, serves the southern city Valdivia in Los Ríos region. The USD 10-million project will increase the
size of the passenger terminal to 4,652 square meters (50,000 square feet), add two new boarding
bridges and 23 new aircraft stands. The work is part of a USD 1.4 billion plan to expand 11 airports and
aerodromes in the country.
Chile’s Public Works Ministry (MOP) launched a separate tender to draft a second expansion project at
the airport that would be awarded as a concession. The second expansion would bring the airport’s
capacity to over 600,000 passengers per year. #1138.13
The expansion of “Carriel Sur International Airport” in Concepción has been completed. The
works included the improvement of the Passenger Terminal Building, with two new boarding bridges, the
expansion of the parking areas, new facilities for the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, aviation
platforms, taxiways, and passenger services. The capacity of the airport was raised from 900,000 to over
2 million annual passengers, a number which is expected to be reached by 2031.
The project provided separate areas for national and international flights, with spaces for the PDI, SAG,
CUSTOMS, and state-of-the-art security equipment, with a total investment of USD 30 million.
In commercial terms, the new infrastructure is opening the possibility of importing and exporting cargo
from the region, without it having to be flown or trucked to a major airport.
The project is part of the USD 1,4-billion Airport Network Modernization Plan announced by President
Piñera in 2019, which included a diagnosis of the state and capacity of the airport infrastructure in the
country, together with the planning and prioritization of investments in Chile during the period 2018-
2022. #1138.14
The modernization works at the El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt is underway. The USD 33-
million-dollar project includes full rehabilitation of the runway and taxiway and an expansion of the
passenger terminal, raising the capacity from 2 to 3 million annual passengers. The airport will also be
upgraded to international status. #1138.15
Balmaceda Airport will be expanded with a new passenger terminal building. The USD 166-
million project will see the construction of a terminal boasting 12,391 square meters (133,376 square
feet) of floorspace and five boarding bridges, 17 check-in counters and 2 luggage belts. The number of
aircraft stands will double from 3 to 6. A total of 13 parking stands for general aviation will be added as
well. The total passenger capacity will rise to 1.2 million passengers annually. The current terminal will be
converted into a cargo building.
The project was awarded to Grupo Azvi. For the execution of this infrastructure project, the Azvi Group
will invest 162 million dollars in the Austral Airport Network (Balmaceda and Punta Arenas). For this, the
company Cointer SA, a concessions subsidiary of the Azvi Group, and the Blackrock Investment Fund
were awarded the tender from the Ministry of Public Works that consists of the expansion, repair,
conservation and replacement of the existing infrastructure, equipment and facilities of the airport.
#1138.16
Punta Arenas “Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport” will be expanded. Works include expanding the
passenger terminal to 16,014 square meters (172,373 square feet), expanding the apron to 80,702
square meters (868,669 square feet), and building a parking lot with capacity for 612 vehicles.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 6 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
Together with Balmaceda, the project was awarded to Grupo Azvi. Public works minister Alfredo Moreno
has previously said that due to the pandemic-related fall in passenger traffic, the bidding rules were
changed so that the required infrastructure investments will only begin once traffic returns to 2019 levels.
#1138.17
The passenger terminal of Arica Airport will be expanded. The USD 88-million project will see the
doubling of the terminal from 5,352 square meters (57,608 square feet) to 11,592 square meters
(124,775 square feet) and the installation of 5 new boarding bridges, replacing the two existing boarding
bridges. The number of aircraft parking stands will be raised from four to seven. The airport’s capacity
will be approximately 1.1 million passengers annually.
Additionally, new aeronautical facilities will be built, such as a control tower, an administration building, a
logistics center, a Rescue and Fire Fighting services station and an aeronautical electrical substation, an
ARO building (Air Traffic Services Notification Office), access control points, and the installation of ground
fuel, among other works. #1138.18
COLOMBIA
A planned USD 2.5 billion expansion of Bogota’s El Dorado airport has been scaled back, after
the Covid-19 pandemic caused a collapse in air travel. El Dorado airport, the country’s biggest, was set
for an upgrade to more than double capacity to about 80 million passengers a year by 2050, from the
roughly 35 million it processed in 2019. The outbreak of the pandemic will force the government to
recalculate the plan, however, said Manuel Felipe Gutierrez, president of ANI, Colombia’s Infrastructure
Agency. “The dynamics of the airline sector have changed and as a consequence, traffic projections
change,” he said. He did not specify how much the project would be cut.
The global air travel collapse has hit Latin America especially hard as governments enacted bans
and anxious customers stayed home. The crisis, which has already forced three of the region’s largest
carriers—Latam Airlines Group SA, Avianca Holdings SA, and Grupo Aeromexico SAB—into bankruptcy, is
likely to affect airports for years. El Dorado, the busiest cargo airport in Latin America and the region’s
third busiest for passengers, was previously expected to see growth of at least 3.5% per year for
domestic passengers and 3.9% for international through 2027. #1138.19
A plan to construct a second Bogota Airport “El Dorado II” will likely be postponed, due to the
current downturn in air traffic. The airport, meant to relieve El Dorado in the long-term, is to be located
between Madrid and Facatativá. In the first phase, it would have one runway and a capacity of 10 million
annual passengers. #1138.20
Medellin “José María Córdova Airport” is studying the construction of a second parallel
runway. In the short term, the current runway will be lengthened by 500 meters (1,640 feet) to 3,000
meters (9,842 feet). According to the 2015 Master Plan, which has a planning horizon of 2036, a second
3,500-meter (11,500-foot) parallel runway will be built to realize the full potential of the airport. Long
term plans also include the expansion of the passenger terminal, the cargo terminal, and the taxiways,
requiring an investment of more than USD 1.2 billion.
José María Córdova Airport is Colombia’s second busiest airport. In recent years, the airport experienced
strong traffic growth. In 2019, 9.2 million passengers were handled, which dropped to 464,600
passengers in 2020. It is currently not known to which extent the plans will be impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic. #1138.21
The upgrade of “Ernesto Cortissoz Airport” in Barranquilla has been delayed. Five years have
passed since the remodelling works of the airport, the nation’s fifth busiest, began but many projects are
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 7 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
still not completed. The delay, in addition to the inconvenience to travellers, has drawn widespread
criticism. The concession contract included repaving of the runway and taxiways, and the remodelling
and expansion of the passenger terminal. Within the framework of the concession contract, the
completion date for the modernization works was scheduled for June 18, 2020. Terminal upgrades
included the installation of 9 new boarding bridges and renovation of the air-conditioning. This was to be
completed before the IDB summit in March 2020, but this target was also not met.
According to officials, the final completion date will be established by the parties in the following weeks,
taking into account the days of work stoppage due to Covid-19 and the “displacement of investments
with the consequent payment of the term by the concession”. #1138.22
A new international airport will be built serving the city of Cartagena. The new airport, which is
currently under study, will be built in Bayunca, between the village of El Zapatero and the village of
Bayunca, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of the city, on a strategic point between the La Cordialidad
highway, the Vía del Mar and Route 90. It will be the first major airport to be built in Colombia in
40 years, the last one being Medellin Airport, which was inaugurated in 1985.
In the first phase, one runway and one passenger terminal will be built, boasting a capacity of 10 million
passengers annually. The capacity can be expanded to 30 million annual passengers and beyond. The
plan also includes an aerotropolis development, with hotels, offices, a convention centre, and
entertainment facilities.
The project is currently in the feasibility evaluation stage and will be carried out through a PPP, with
capital expenditures of USD 2.9 billion and operating costs of USD 3.9 billion, which include studies,
design, construction, and the maintenance of the new airport.
Hand in hand with this megaproject, an expansion and modernization of Cartagena’s current airport,
“Rafael Núñez Airport”, the country’s third busiest, will also take place. Works include the design and
construction of a taxiway, the expansion of the apron, expansion of the terminal, the addition of boarding
bridges and an overall maintenance upgrade of the airport infrastructure. #1138.23
Currently, 14 state-owned airports in Colombia are in the process of being improved. In
Colombia there are 72 airports that are owned by the state, which is undertaking efforts to improve
infrastructure and operations. Projects include the rehabilitation of the platform and high-speed taxiways
at Guaymaral Airport, rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways and apron at Paipa airport in Boyacá,
landside infrastructure improvements at Florence airport in Caquetá, lengthening of the runway and
security works at Nuqui Airport in the Pacific, and rehabilitation of the runway and the drainage systems
at Pasto airport in the south. Total investment is USD 189 million.
The Vice President of Contract Management of the National Infrastructure Agency, Luis Eduardo
Gutiérrez, said that the works carried out have allowed the number of passengers in Colombia to be
increased to 55 and 60 million a year in Colombia. The aim for 2030 is to mobilize 100 million
passengers. #1138.24
A new airport will be constructed serving Colombia’s coffee region. The granting of the permit
by Aerocivil, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, is a step towards the beginning of the construction of
the Aeropuerto del Café project (Aerocafé), a commitment assumed by the President of the Republic,
Iván Duque Márquez with the Coffee Region. For the National Government, Aerocafé is a project of
strategic interest, which will contribute to the competitiveness and connectivity of the Coffee region.
Initially, the airport will have a 1,460-meter (4,790-foot) runway, which allows the landing of small
aircraft, such as the ATR 42. However, in a later phase the runway can be extended to 4,000 meters
(13,000 feet), allowing freighters carrying coffee beans to reach Europe or Asia directly. The project cost
for the first phase is estimated to be approximately USD 170 million. #1138.25
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 8 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
ECUADOR
Construction of a new import cargo distribution centre at the Quito International Airport has
commenced. The investment for the project is USD 2 million and is expected to be completed in mid-
2021. One of the main innovations that the new import cargo distribution area will have is that
automated solutions will be implemented for cargo handling, which generates greater operational
efficiency, improves traceability, and guarantees greater cargo security, which will be subject to limited
operator intervention.
Quiport CEO Andrew O'Brian highlighted the fact that Tabacarcen is undertaking an investment during a
situation of economic crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “While everyone is reducing budgets
and investments and postponing projects, today Tabacarcen is investing in this plan, betting on Ecuador,
betting on the airport and betting on the future. This is a project that will create jobs and opportunities.
These are the signs that Quito and Ecuador need,” commented O'Brian.
In the meantime, the passenger terminal expansion project is ongoing. The terminal is being
expanded by 16,000 square meters (172,222 square feet). At the same time, the apron area will increase
by about 24,000 square meters, adding an extra two parking positions for aircraft. The works are part of
the airport development master plan approved by the Municipality of Quito, which has the backing the
Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport & Public Works. Total investment cost is USD 60
million. The project was scheduled to be finished by the end of 2020 but has been delayed due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. #1138.26
Authorities presented the new design proposal for the new Guayaquil International Airport.
In October 2020, TAGSA concessionaire of the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport together
with the Guayaquil Airport Authority announced the new plans for the so-called “Daular Mega Airport”,
which in its final stage of development, would have 3 parallel runways.
The first phase would be built on an area of 2,020 hectares and will include a passenger terminal with 20
boarding bridges, double that of the terminal at the current airport. The initial phase would require an
investment of USD 800 million.
Key “trigger’ for the project to kick-off is a throughput of 3.5 million international passengers annually at
the current airport. In 2019, Guayaquil handled 3,781,100 passengers, of which roughly two million were
international passengers. Thus, the start of construction will depend on how soon the industry recovers.
The current projection is that construction can start in 2026, with a completion in 2029 or 2030. Plans
for the airport were developed by Leigh Fisher. #1138.27
Eloy Alfaro de Manta International Airport is being expanded at a cost of USD 25 million.
Works include a new passenger terminal of 5,000 square meters (53,819 square feet), expansion of the
apron by 14,000 square meters (150,694 square meters), construction of a new control tower, a parking
lot for 130 vehicles, and improvement of the approach roads. Many facilities, including the control tower,
were destroyed during an earthquake in 2016. Works were scheduled to be completed by the end of
2020, but this has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also been announced that the
Korea Airports Cooperation will operate Manta Airport. Details on the concession are not clear but KAC
has announced it will invest USD 182 million in the upgrade of the airport. #1138.28
FALKLAND ISLANDS
The main runway at Mount Pleasant Airport has re-opened after the completion of
resurfacing works, covering 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), the British Forces South Atlantic Islands,
BFSAI, command announced. According to a press release, the works used over 700 tons of asphalt and
were completed seven days ahead of schedule.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 9 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
“The works have meant that there has been no disruption to operational capability and now allow for
access for a wider variety of aircraft into Mount Pleasant Complex,” said a BFSAI spokesperson.
“The project has been a hugely successful collaboration between UK's Defense Infrastructure
Organization, Interserve and COLAS who have been able to work flexibly with the Aerodrome Operators
to ensure the runway can be operated at full length.
“This is particularly inspiring as the project has faced some expected obstacles along the way including,
adverse weather, additional flights in the airfield schedule and a last-minute design change,” they added.
The Mount Pleasant Airport normally operates with Falklands' international commercial flights, mainly the
LATAM links with Chile and most recently with Sao Paulo in Brazil. The South Atlantic Airbridge which
links Brize Norton in Oxfordshire with Mount Pleasant flies twice a week. #1138.29
GUYANA
The expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has been plagued by
problems. The project has been plagued by prolonged delays, missed deadlines, shoddy work, and
pricey revisions. Guyana President Irfaan Ali has said the government would only accept expansion
works, as they were outlined in the original contract.
In 2011, the government received a USD 138 million-loan from China to improve the airport. The loan
was contingent on the fact that State-owned powerhouse China Communications Construction Company
(CCCC) would undertake the work. There were no public tenders or open bidding, and the contractor
received a generous range of tax and duty-free concessions, with the government providing from free
sand to amenities like a car park, internal roads, and handling equipment area. The remainder USD 12
million of project funding came from Guyana's state coffers.
The project consisted of the construction of a new terminal with eight boarding bridges, with
the old terminal being demolished later. Major construction on the CJIA scheme started in 2012. The
construction was undertaken by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), a subsidiary of CCCC,
and had originally been scheduled to last 32 months. The contractor ended up refurbishing the
existing terminal and installing four boarding bridges, some of which being faulty. According to a
recent estimate, an additional USD 6.5 million is needed to wrap up the project. #1138.30
PANAMA
Panama Tocumen Airport is trying to finish the long-delayed terminal 2 project. The USD 917-
million Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 2019. However, only 5 of the 20 boarding gates are in use. The
works were to be finalized in February but then were suspended for almost four months as Panama
implemented the longest and strictest construction suspension in the region due to the COVID-19
pandemic. When works ceased the project was basically completed at 99% with only work on the parking
lot and some other minor elements left.
Tocumen airport director Raffoul Arab has requested a budget increase of USD 298 million from the
budget assembly commission for operational expenses and a few unfinished works and improvements.
Some of the funds will go to completion of the second terminal and to begin modernizing Terminal 1, as
well as the purchase of sanitary equipment for checkpoints, he said.
Health ministry Minsa also allowed works to restart in August on the USD 200 million expansion of
Panama City’s metro line No. 2, adding a 3-kilometre (2-mile) link to Tocumen airport. #1138.31
PARAGUAY
The passenger terminal of Asunción “Silvio Pettirossi International Airport” is currently
being expanded. The terminal is being expanded toward the north by 2,500 square meters (26,909
square feet), raising the capacity from 1 million annual passengers to 1.7 annual passengers. In 2019,
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 10 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
the airport handled 1,239,403 passengers. The surrounding platform is being expanded with 10,000
square meters (107,639 square feet).
The construction of a second terminal was slated to start in 2020 and to be concluded in
2022, but that project has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 57,000-square-meter
(613,542-square-foot) terminal will feature 9 boarding bridges and have the capacity to process 6 million
passengers annually. The total investment for the project is USD 200 million. Finally, studies are
underway to rehabilitate the airport’s runway.
Authorities hope that the airport can develop into a regional hub, taking advantage of its strategic
position in South America. #1138.32
PERU
Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport is undergoing a major expansion. It is part of the
economic reactivation plan proposed by the Peruvian Government. The airside development programme
will mainly involve the construction of 10 kilometres (7 miles) of taxiways, a 65 meter-(213-foot) high
ATC tower, a second 3,480 meter (11,417-foot)-long runway and associated taxiways, and a 250-hectare
advanced mid-field apron area to increase the slots available for aircraft parking. It will also add new
operational facilities for fire and rescue services, surveillance systems, as well as beacons and navigation
support equipment.
Construction of the ATC tower and airfield buildings already began in July 2022 and is scheduled to be
completed late in 2021. Construction on the new runway has also started and is expected to
commence operations by late 2022.
The airport served approximately six million passengers in 2020, a decrease of 74% compared to the
previous year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport is operated by Lima Airport Partners (LAP)
which is owned by Fraport (70.01% interest), IFC International Financial (19.99%) and Peru’s AC
Capitales SAFI (10%). LAP concession officially commenced operations in February 2001 and its licence
to operate the airport will run until 2041. #1138.33
URUGUAY
Uruguay plans to modernize at least four airports to bring them into line with the standards
required to operate international flights. As the government does not have the necessary funds, it
decided to call a public tender for a private party to take over the work and financing. The awardee will
operate the terminals and collect the corresponding fees.
The measure comes after the approval in December 2020 of the law to create the National System of
International Airports. “The new law gives us the ability to tender airports that are necessary in the north
and west of the territory to be able to privatize them. Today, most of them are not complying with the
safety and infrastructure regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” Air
Transport General Director Daniel Olmedo said.
The Ministry of Transport and Public Works has not yet defined which airports will be part of the process,
since alternative proposals from businessmen or mayors can still be added. However, Olmedo confirmed
that the Rivera, Salto, and Melo terminals will be part of the National System of International Airports
(SNAI). All three facilities are currently operated and maintained by the Ministry of National Defence, he
said. In addition, the Colonia or Carmelo airports will be added.
Currently, it is presumed that only Corporación América Airports will present bids and prevail
in the processes. The company already operates the General Cesáreo L. Berisso terminals in Carrasco
and Laguna de los Sauces in Punta del Este. To incentivize Corporación América Airports to operate the
four possibly deficient facilities, lawmakers offered a 20-year extension of the concessions for the
Carrasco and Punta del Este international airports, but the move drew criticism.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 11 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
According to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works of Uruguay, the winner of the tender must repair
the runways, modernize the communication and lighting equipment, and raise the perimeter fences,
among other works necessary to comply with ICAO requirements.
The development of the national airport system will require an investment of between USD 20 million and
USD 28 million, some USD 5-7 million for each airport. #1138.34
Other Regions
AUSTRALIA
The upgrades to the Rockhampton Airport Terminal, including a new mezzanine floor
and passenger lounges are on track for completion, thanks to USD 5 million from the
Palaszczuk Government’s USD 154 million COVID Works for Queensland program.
Acting Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles inspected the construction site with
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke, Assistant Minister for Education and Member for Keppel
Brittany Lauga and Rockhampton Regional Council Acting Mayor Neil Fisher.
“The new passenger lounges and mezzanine floor are looking fantastic and the terminal will be a
tremendous first impression for visitors to this beautiful region,” Mr Miles said. #1138.35
VIETNAM
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has submitted a plan to the Ministry of
Transport to mobilize resources for the development of aviation infrastructure, proposing
developing six airports across the country under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model.
The six airports comprise Dong Hoi in the central province of Quang Binh, Rach Gia in the Mekong
Delta province of Kien Giang, Ca Mau in the Mekong Delta province of the same name, Sa Pa in the
northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, Lai Chau in the northern province of the same name and
Quang Tri in the central province of Quang Tri, Sai Gon Giai Phong Online newspaper reported.
The investment under the PPP model will be piloted at the Dong Hoi airport project in the 2021-2025
period.
CAAV suggested applying the same model that was applied to the Van Don International Airport
project in Quang Ninh Province, in which private investors will construct, manage, and operate the
airport under the PPP format with build-operate-transfer contracts.
Besides the six airport projects, private enterprises can invest in aviation service facilities at airports
managed by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam. #1138.36
The project to build a new airport in Quang Tri Province has gotten the approval from
the Ministry of Transport. Work on the project is scheduled to start in 2021. Accordingly,
the Quang Tri government asked the T &T Group to draw up a prefeasibility study report for the
project. The province will wait until enough investors join in the construction in June and hold an
auction, Tien said, asserting that the province will break ground on the airport, which is set to cost
some USD 347 million, this year.
The airport will be built on an area of over 316 hectares in Gio Linh District under a public private
partnership model. The Quang Tri airport will be constructed under the 4C standards of the
International Civil Aviation Organization and have a capacity of one million annual passengers and
3,100 tons of cargo per year. #1138.37
PHILIPINES
A province of the Philippines has annulled its decision to award a USD 10 billion airport
project to a consortium led by a Chinese state company. In 2019, the consortium of China
Communications Construction Co (CCCC) and Philippines-based firm MacroAsia Corp was the sole
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 12 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
bidder in the auction to assist the Cavite Provincial Government with the renovation of Sangley
Airport, which is being developed as a reliever airport to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
However, Cavite’s governor Juanito Victor Remulla said that the consortium’s documentation was
deficient. Remulla said: “We saw it as a sign they were not fully committed.” In an earlier
announcement, MacroAsia said that due to the coronavirus travel restrictions, the consortium failed
to provide the required documents.
Remulla also clarified that the decision was not connected to the US ban of CCCC and other Chinese
state firms in August 2020. The US has debarred several Chinese corporations over their involvement
in constructing military installations in disputed areas of the South China Sea, one of which is within
missile range of the Philippines. #1138.38
THAILAND
Hua Hun airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan will be further upgraded to accommodate large
aircraft. Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam revealed the plan while inspecting upgrade
works at the airport recently. Mr. Thaworn said he has asked the Department of Airports to work
together with the public and private sector on a plan to further develop the airport, to meet the
projected demand for air connections to the popular seaside destination.
The number of air passengers departing from Hua Hin airport jumped from 17,000 in 2018 to 45,000
in 2019, when the district welcomed some 7 million tourists. "Demand for air services to Hua Hin is
high, as evidenced by the leap in passenger figures right before Covid-19 disrupted travel," he said.
"So further upgrades are necessary, as the International Air Transport Association says the domestic
aviation market will return to normal next year, and the international market the year after that."
The deputy minister also said the income from tourist arrivals will help boost the economic recovery
once the Covid-19 pandemic ends.
The upgrade—likely to take effect in the 2023 fiscal year—will see the airport's runway
being further expanded from 2,100 (6,900 feet) to 3,000 meters (9,850 feet) to accommodate
larger jets serving longer flights of between 10–12 hours, he said. Hua Hin airport is in the middle of
a USD 8,33-million renovation, which began last year. Its runway is being widened to allow narrow-
body jets, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, to operate out of the airport.
"Once completed, the airport will be able to handle up to five of these aircraft types at the same
time," the deputy minister said. "These are usually used for regional hops with flight times of up to
4–5 hours." A new taxiway and passenger terminal are being built, which will allow the airport to
handle a maximum of 900 passengers an hour, or equivalent to 2.6 million annually. At present, the
airport can handle about 300 passengers an hour, or 860,000 annually. #1138.39
IRAN
Development projects worth USD 47.6 million have been completed at Mehrabad
International Airport. The projects include the renovation of the entrance of Terminal 1,
installation of boarding bridges at Terminal 1 and 2, the improvement of access and service roads,
ramps and new aircraft stands. The terminal’s interiors were also upgraded with new elevators,
escalators, sanitary facilities, as well as the county’s first food court. #1138.40
UZBEKISTAN
Turkish airport operator TAV will be involved in the development of a new airport for the
Uzbek capital of Tashkent. Recently, TAV and Uzbekistan's Innovative Development Ministry
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate regarding the development of airports.
TAV will cooperate with the Uzbek ministry in the modernization of airports and the implementation
of a joint investment project for the construction of a new airport in the capital Tashkent. #1138.41
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 13 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
ROMENIA
The Bucharest Airports Company has acquired all the land it needs to begin work on a
second terminal for Henri Coanda International Airport, Romania’s busiest airport. The USD
1,2 billion project, first announced in April 2019, will involve constructing the terminal, as well as a
railway platform, moving walkways, access roads, parking lots and buildings. The terminal will
consist of four separate buildings built using modular technology, with each capable of handling 5
million passengers a year. The modular design will allow the airport to expand in stages in response
to passenger numbers.
By 2030, Terminal 2 alone should be able to handle 20 million passengers a year. The
terminal will be directly connected to the A3 motorway, to the railway system, and to the Bucharest
Metro system through Metro Line 6.
The airport, which is one of two to serve Bucharest, presently has a single terminal consisting of
three sub-terminals. Henri Coanda 2 will be developed a few hundred metres to the east of it. In
2019, Dragoa Titea, state Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, said work would begin in 2020. This
timetable was delayed by the outbreak of Covid-19, and work is presently expected to begin in 2022.
The company said it had bought the land from some 1,000 owners at a price of USD 58 million.
#1138.42
SERBIA
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) has announced that it has completed works on the
enhancement and modernisation of the entire central area on the boarding level,
representing an investment of USD 2.5 million.
The new area is entered immediately after passport control and includes an expanded and
modernised Duty-Free shop, immediately followed by the ‘Tesla Square’, where passengers are
offered a relax zone, a new restaurant and coffee shop and a gaming zone. Furthermore, there is a
new area for parents and children next to gates A5 and A6.
The reconstruction works of the whole area lasted a total of five months as part of the
transformation plan for Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, led by VINCI Airports. They were
carried out simultaneously with the ongoing major works on the modernisation and expansion of the
airport’s capacity, which represent an essential part of the concession project, while taking strict
precautionary measures to avoid disruptions to passenger flows.
The entire concept was conceived and implemented to provide passengers with greater comfort and
quality offers and services, in line with the best practices of the airport’s parent company, VINCI
Airports, which operates 45 airports around the world. #1138.43
USA
Denver International Airport (DIA) officials have confirmed they have begun planning to
construct a long-awaited seventh runway, a project discussed for nearly 10 years. The
goal for the additional runway is to increase flow at one of the world's busiest airports.
Officials are putting together a final draft with an estimated budget and completion date. So far, they
estimate the runway will cost a whopping USD 1.2 billion and will be completed in 2028. Of course,
there are always expected delays with major construction, so the project might take place later and
cost more.
Despite the hefty price tag, officials are hopeful the federal government will provide monetary
assistance once the project gets approval by the FAA. DIA will open bids to companies at the end of
the month to offer contract bids for project management, environmental impact, and transportation
corridors.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoPage 14 of 14
10 February 2021
No. 1138
DEV
New runways are intricate and challenging to build. Still, original plans for the airport indicated
up to 12 runways to eventually be built. DIA has already been expanding services to increase
customer satisfaction and get travelers in and out more smoothly. The airport is currently developing
passenger pickup areas for mountain resort travelers. The airport plans to lease exclusive lanes and
pickup zones to shuttles heading to the Rocky Mountains. The well-known Great Hall Terminal
Renovation is also still underway to reconstruct the security checkpoints. DIA is also looking to
expand Concourse B gates and add an outdoor terrace where travelers can sit while waiting for their
flights. #1138.44
Pittsburgh International Airport in the US is preparing to execute its USD 1.1 billion
Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) project in spring this year. The airport stated that
the altered design and construction documents for the terminal update are more than 90%
complete.
Due to the pandemic, the project work, which was scheduled to begin in April 2020, was postponed.
During the provisional period, the project’s design team was at work with airlines and airport
stakeholders, re-examining the project and adjusting it to new health concerns, reported The
Business Journal.
Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) CEO Christina Cassotis said that the airport and
construction officials were prepared to recommence the project. Cassotis said: “It’s time to move
forward with making Pittsburgh International Airport work smarter for this community and with
making a difference in the recovery of the region and industry. Building on the momentum created
over the past three years and the great work that has been done by this team, we’re ready to get
moving again.”
The airport stated that the altered design and construction documents for the terminal update were
more than 90% complete. After completion, bidding in connection with the project will begin.
Documents for a rental car facility and parking garage will be settled this month, the airport said.
Cassotis continued: “We added public health to our dual imperatives of safety / security and air
service, and that is the lens through which we have been looking at the terminal and the whole
project during this time. Improving the airport experience and increasing public trust in travel are
essential to any future plans.”
Over the next two months, the airport is planning to commence USD 182 million worth of site work,
after securing an agreement from its airline partners. Moreover, the airport stated that it would
continuously monitor the industry before granting any contract during the bidding process for an
undisclosed time. While heavy construction is scheduled to begin in June 2021, the project is set to
be completed by 2024. The new terminal will start its operations in 2025. #1138.45
WORLDWIDE AIRPORT TENDERS (WAT) portal with daily project alerts, the exclusive, customizable
business opportunities portal dedicated to the airport industry by Momberger Airport Information.
FREE trial for 7 days - follow this link for more information and to sign up for your free trial.
Copyright © 2021 - Momberger Airport Information - www.mombergerairport.infoYou can also read
