Paraguay airport tender draws 13 responses

Nearly two weeks after the Paraguayan Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MPOC) launched an tender for a public-private partnership (PPP; P3) to revamp the Silvio Pettirossi of Asuncion International Airport, a total of 13 companies are expressing interest to take part in the bidding.

Companies to purchase bidding documents include Agunsa, Barrail Hnos Constructora, Benito Roggio e Hijos, Cedicor, Corsam Corvian Construction, Incheon, Itasa, Korea Airport Corporation, Odebrecht, Sacyr Concessions, Tecnoedil and Vinci.

“This is a novel activity for us in Paraguay, and that is why it has so many connotations regarding the first steps,” said Luis Aguirre, president of the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, in a statement. “With 13 companies having bought the bidding terms and conditions, this implies a very auspicious future in terms of interest in the country.”

Public works and communications minister Ramon Jimenez Gaona said during a recent technical visit by the 13 interested companies that the Silvio Pettirossi Airport plan, which is already over a decade behind schedule, is central to the country's Master Plan for Transport and Logistics. 

The MPOC is seeking to enter into a contract to modernise the capital gateway airport with a focus on strengthening its commercial core and expanding passenger services. The concession calls for an initial investment of $108.4 million as well as an additional $40.3 million in lifetime cash infusions, according to MOPC estimates. Once initial works are complete, the winning bidder will be required to operate and maintain the assets for 30 years.

Airport traffic at Silvio Pettirossi grew 125 percent between 2004 and 2012, and MOPC anticipates continued growth in the near term.  

Deadline for consultations with the MOPC is 8 March, with bids set to be opened on 21 April. The agency plans to award the contract in November.