São Paulo – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) advised that governments which are planning to privatize airports or award them to the private sector under time-specific concessions must exercise caution. IATA represents some 290 airlines in 120 countries, Brazil included.
The recommendation was unanimously approved by participants in the 74th IATA Annual General Meeting held this week in Sydney, Australia.
In a document meant to serve as a guide for authorities that was handed out during the Meeting, IATA stresses that airport privatization and concession projects must adhere to a long-term vision rather than seek immediate gains.
Presently, services in some 14% of airports around the world are at least partly privately-run. Since 2011, ten airports in Brazil have been awarded to private sector players: Brasília, Confins (MG), Galeão (RJ), Guarulhos (SP), Florianópolis (SC), Fortaleza (CE), Porto Alegre (RS), São Gonçalo do Amarante (RN), Salvador (BA) and Viracopos (SP).
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum