Source: Diario La Verdad, 20/12/2017
The assignment of the aiport to AENA is imminent, so that operations may start in 2018.
The assignment of the operating contract for Corvera airport for the next 25 years is imminent. The economic offer of the Spanish operator has exceeded the requirements demanded by the regional government.
The Governing Council of Murcia may approve the signing of the agreement at its meeting today, or at a meeting next week. The point is not on the agenda today, but it can be placed on the table. The goal is to formalize the ageement with AENA before the end of the year, so that the airport may start activity in 2018.
The operating license depends on the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), who must grant the authorizations for flight operations. Therefore, the Ministry of Development wants these licenses to be granted during months of the new year. Aena has the advantage of knowing these procedures, being the exclusive operator of the state airport network.
Corvera will be the first airport which does not belong to the state network
Corvera Airport has been closed for six years since its construction was completed by the former Aeromur entity. The Ministry indicated that the facilities are in good condition, although it will have to show the State Aviation Safety Agency that it meets all the requirements for the opening of the terminal and for air operations.
The regional government of Murcia rescinded the contract with the former concessionaire (Aeromur), with which it still has a complicated settlement pending. Murcia is claiming damages for breach of contract and is attempting to recover the 182 million euros loan for which it was a guarantor.
Aena was the only company that presented its technical and economic offer in the final phase of the tender, after the withdrawal of two other companies. The technical proposal by AENA received the green light at the end of November, and approval of the economic proposal was pending. AENA’sn offer is significantly better than the requirements demanded the Region of Murcia. AENA has offered a fee of 84 cents per passenger, more than Murcia’s requirement of 73 cent per passenger.
The transfer of commercial flights from San Javier to Corvera will be gradual, with a period yet to be determined. Aena has stated that it plans to respect the rights of its 50 employees working at San Javier. Eventually these staff will be relocated to Corvera.
More information:
http://www.laverdad.es/murcia/inminente-adjudicacion-aeropuerto-20171220003453-ntvo.html
