Brazil PM signs decree to privatise Sao Gonçalo de Amarante Airport

Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, signed a decree allowing the privatisation of Sao Gonçalo de Amarante Airport in Rio Grande do Norte state, 11km from the state capital Natal (Business News Americas/Agencia Estado, 09-Jun-2010). The decree will allow the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to commence preparation of a tender to complete the airport's construction and operate the terminal, making it the first concessioned airport in the country. The tender is expected to be launched in 2H2010 and is expected to be valued at approximately BRL1 billion (USD544 million). Camargo Correa and Andrade Gutierrez have expressed interest in the project. Phase I is budgeted at approximately BRL800 million (USD432 million) and is expected to be completed by 2012. The airport, on which construction has been stalled since 1998, has already received BRL105 million (USD57 million) in federal funding through the country's growth acceleration plan (PAC). Approximately 90% of earthworks, 10% of drainage and 25% of paving works have been completed with the Federal Government planning to invest approximately BRL155 million (USD84 million) by year-end to complete these works. However, the airport's runways, take-off and taxiing lanes have yet to be constructed. Once the airport opens in 2013, it will be the largest terminal in Latin America and the seventh largest in the world, with capacity to handle 5 million passengers p/a.