The area adjoining the state-run Chisinau International Airport and its assets will be lased out for a period of up to 49 years, IPN reports, quoting a Government decision. The move is aimed at developing the airport’s infrastructure and improving the quality of services, enhancing regional competitiveness by increasing economic efficiency and sustainably generating incomes, and at ensuring maximum flight security and safety standards.

Under the concession conditions, the company that will lease the area and assets will pay a tax of at least 1% of its turnover into the state budget and will invest at least €230 million in the facilities, €40 million of which over the first two years of the signing of the contract. The money will go to extend the terminal, build a parking garage and modernize the launching pad, the platform, the lighting and drainage systems.

The concession contest is open to national and foreign companies with a registered capital of over €30 million and experience in providing aviation services of minimum 10 years. The investments will be recouped from the incomes earned from the provided services. The reconstruction and modernization works will start within 12 months of the signing of the contract.

During the debates in the Government, Governor of Gagauzia Mihail Formuzal said he was against leasing out the Chisinau International Airport. Acting Minister of Transport and Road Infrastructure Anatol Salaru said that the state is unable to make such investments and that richer states also used such concession models.

Acting Minister of Regional Development and Constructions Marcel Raducan proposed reducing the term of required experience as there are companies that proved their efficiency even if they do not have such a long experience.

The concession contest will be announced in several weeks.