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PARAGUAY. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) is calling for bids from qualified companies to modernise and develop Asuncion’s Silvio Pettirossi International Airport.
The MOPC made the announcement on 18 December, as the contracting authority for the project, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and the National Directorate of Civil Airports (DINAC).
Minister of Public Works and Communications Ramón Jiménez Gaona outlined the government’s vision of creating an airport terminal that meets the highest international standards of modernity and quality.
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Minister of Public Works and Communications Ramón Jiménez Gaona (centre) making the announcement on 18 December |
The call for tender covers the design, execution of works, financing, operation, repair, maintenance and operation of the terminal modernisation project.
The project is estimated to require an initial investment of US$108.4 million, with an additional US$40.3 million infusion taking the total to US$148.7 million.
The successful consortium will have a term of 30 years in which to operate the terminal.
Opening of bids is scheduled for April 2016, and following an appeal period contract signing is expected in November 2016.
Works should begin in March 2017 for a maximum period of 24 months.
Commercial benefits likely
The modernisation stands to benefit travel retailers at the airport, including established players Bright Star Duty Free and Mannah Duty Free.
Bright Star manages two Departures and one Arrivals duty free store at Asuncion, and significantly enlarged its main Departures store in 2014.
As reported, Flemingo International also entered the airport in October 2014.
The tender envisages development of new commercial areas, and streamlining of passenger processing.
According to MOPC, Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is experiencing significant growth in air traffic, with an increase of +125% in annual passenger numbers from 2004 to 2012.
“All possible impacts from the execution of the works and the benefits it will bring to the country have been considered in this process,” said Jiménez Gaono. “We want this project to be beneficial to everyone.”
The modernisation of Paraguay’s main aviation gateway is a strategic priority for the administration of President Horacio Cartes, he confirmed.
Jiménez Gaona said that air transport in Latin America plays a vital role in economic development by allowing integration and access markets through the efficient flow of people and goods.
“We want Paraguay to position itself to the same standards,” he said.
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Cover page of the tender presentation prepared by MOPC |
