GMR, Groupe ADP likely to jointly bid for future airport projects

 Two companies have finalized a business agreement under which both will collaborate on multiple sectors

Airport De Paris (ADP) and GMR Airports are likely to jointly bid for future airport projects, that is, greenfield, brownfield or management of airports.

Last year, the GMR Group concluded a deal to complete a 49 per cent stake sale in its airport arm to Paris-based Groupe ADP — the operator of Paris airport and one of the largest airport companies in the world — for Rs 10,780 crore.

The Centre is looking to privatize at least 13 airports immediately and the GMR-Groupe ADP combine is set to be a strong contender in this field.

The two companies have finalized a business agreement under which both will collaborate on multiple sectors, including engineering and project management, airport operations, and passenger experience.

GBS Raju, chairman, airports, GMR Group, said the partnership between GMR and ADP will build an airport alliance in the world that will handle 325 million passengers annually.

“Together, we seek to bring unique experiences and concepts to the aviation industry that will build upon the combined expertise, innovation, and vision of both partners. We believe this partnership will strengthen our respective airport platforms and enhance our competitiveness to seek opportunities for profitable growth of both ADP and GMR,” he said.

Industry experts said that with Groupe ADP and GMR Airports forming a loose joint venture, it will help GMR attract more European airlines to Delhi, and make it an Asia hub for all European travelers.