Panama considers changes to tender process

John Gallagher

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Following pressure from local operators, Panama City airport authority is to discuss changes to the tender conditions it announced last month

After pressure from local duty-free operators and incumbent concessionaires, the board of Panama City International airport authority Tocumen SA is to meet this Friday (November 11) to discuss changes to the tender for the duty-free concession at the airport (DFNI November 1).

The board is now expected to allow the participation of operators who do not currently operate in airports in the Americas with more than 2.5m passengers, contrary to Tocumen's initial conditions. In addition, local sources suggest that the airport authority may decide to appoint more than one duty-free operator. Initially Tocumen had planned to choose one anchor retailer, but local anti-monopoly legislation may prevent this.

RavenFox.com understands that six companies have paid the $10,000 necessary to purchase the tender documents. They are Duty Free Americas subsidiary UETA, Aldeasa, Grupo Wisa, Motta Internacional, Airport International Management and Boutique Airport.

When the tender was called last month, the airport authority asked for submissions by November 24, but if the tender conditions are modified the deadline may be postponed.