Mumbai: A fter Delhi, Istanbul and Male, the GMR Group has got a call from the US west coast. GMR Infrastructure is among the 10 shortlisted for selecting which is to manage and operate Ontario International Airport in California.
Only, GMR said it was withdrawing, not proceeding with what may otherwise have been its high-profile US debut. Instead, sources said, GMR prefers to scout for opportunities in Asia, especially in India.
The Navi Mumbai airport is coming up and the tender process is expected to begin by June. After Delhi, said industry analysts, GMR would love to enter Mumbai.
Ontario Airport, 61 km from downtown Los Angeles, was also made famous by Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio while shooting their cat and mouse chase flick, Catch Me If You Can.
“GMR does not plan to bid for the Ontario Airport opportunity,” the company spokesperson told Business Standard. Adding: “At this point, we will not like to comment on our growth strategy. However, we will continue to evaluate opportunities from growth markets.”
The GMR move has raised eyebrows, since it came after it participated in the initial documentation. Earlier in the year, the Los Angeles International and Ontario Airports (LAWA), which owns and manages the two airfields, had asked for expressions of interest from airport developers and managers for a 20-30 year agreement.
It had even sought suggestions on “hypothetical” business terms they’d like to incorporate in their contract, if selected. The chosen airport concessionaire — to be selected from the shortlist and a subsequent financial bid — is to be responsible for paying the LAWA annual rent and a fee.
14/03/11 Arijit Barman/Business Standard
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