10 September 2014
Myanmar Civil Aviation Department confirmed, Tuesday, that five local airports in Myanmar have the green light to approach private companies to take over the management.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation head, Kyaw Soe, told local news channels that the agency has approved private management of Bagan-NyaungU, Heho, Tachilek, Thandwe and Kyaukphyu airports.
“Bagan-NyaungU Airport, which has seen a massive influx of tourists, could draw the most attention from private companies,” he said.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation was given the job of overseeing the privatisation of 30 airports, which will be leased or sold to private companies.
The 30 airports are Bagan-NyaungU, Heho, Dawei, Putao, Monghsat, Kawthaung, Myitkyina, Pathein, Myeik, Bhamo, Lashio, Bokepyin, Kalay, Magway, Mawlamyine, Khamhti, Pakokku, Hpa-an, Homemalin, Kyaukhtu, Aniskhan, Loikaw, An, Kokogyun, Monywa, Sittwe, Thandwe, Tachilek, Kengtung and Kyaukphyu.
However, only five of the airports have the green light to negotiate with private firms at present and many of the airports listed are decades awy from being profitable ventures.
According to the agency, its top priority now is to improve domestic airports so they can handle a forecasted surge in travel arrivals over the next five years.
Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2014/09/myanmar-to-off-load-five-airports/
