In a reversal of the decision of having them administered by Tocumen SA, the airports of David, Colon and Rio Hato will be granted in concession to private companies.
The Panamanian government now believes that it would not be suitable for Tocumen SA to manage – along with Tocumen International Airport - these airport terminals, which are being remodeled at a cost of $138 million.
The Government is investing in construction, expansion and rehabilitation of airports nationwide.
Within airport investments is the expansion of Tocumen International Airport with the "Muelle Norte" which requires an investment of approximately $ 100 million and is currently 51% completed.
On this expansion the MEF reported that studies are underway to build, within this complex, an airport city with shopping facilities, hotels, golf courses and other facilities, placing Panama among the most competitive countries in international tourism.
Six companies have submitted bids constructing the new airport in the province of Colón, northern Panama.
The lowest economic offer was presented by Grupo San José with $52.97 million, while the highest was from FCC Construction with $99.49 million.
Panama's Civil Aviation Authority (AAC in Spanish) indicated that the next step is for an evaluation committee to review the information provided before choosing which company meets the appropriate criteria to be awarded the project, according to Panamá América's web portal.
The contract is to study, design and build the new "Enrique A. Jimenez" in the province of Colón.
This project's objective is to develop both the land and air aspects of the Enrique Jiménez International Airport in order to provide an efficient, quality service tailored to the needs of its users.
The bulk of this project is in the field research, studies and designs necessary for the construction of the airport terminal, runway development and extension, as well as the subsequent works.
Plans for the new international airport will be completed in the next days. Its first stage will require an investment of $40 million.
This was reported by Leopoldo Benedetti, manager of the Colón Free Zone, when making a presentation to the Budget Commission of the Legislative Assembly.
Dulcidio De La Guardia, Finance Minister, had remarked that "...in the State Budget they included funds for expanding and rehabilitating the runway of airport Enrique A. Jiménez, which will become an international cargo and passenger terminal", reported Prensa.com.
The air transport authority analyzes the expansion of airports 'Enrique Maleck' and 'Enrique Jiménez'.
"Enrique Maleck" airport is located in the province of Chiriquí, whereas "Enrique Jiménez" is in the city of Colón.
From Panamá América's website: "Construction of another terminal in the central region was approved, this could be in Río Hato ... the air transport authority is seeking authorization to request an additional credit line over $4 million..."