Agreement is near, says AA2000 chief

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The Argentinian government will have a more decisive role in airport investment plans if a provisional agreement is approved

Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (AA2000) ceo Ernesto Gutierrez has said the airport authority has made substantial progress in renegotiating its concession contract with the Argentinian government. Gutierrez said a provisional agreement could be signed by the middle of December with the definitive contract being agreed by May of next year.

AA2000 had successfully renegotiated its concession contract with the previous government under president Duhalde, but Nestor Kirchner rescinded the presidential decree shortly after taking power. Many had speculated that AA2000 might lose the concession amid confrontations with the government and rows over unpaid fees.

Gutierrez said: ?Government officials are looking at ways to compensate investments we have made to the tune of $600m, although only $80m has been officially recognised.? He added that at least $400m would be invested over the next two years, and said that under the new contract all investments would now be agreed with the government authorities before work is begun.