Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), the world’s largest infrastructure manager1, on behalf of Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V, and Odinsa, the Grupo Argos concession company, announced the consolidation of their strategic partnership through a new airport infrastructure investment platform. The platform, Odinsa Aeropuertos, has assets of approximately COP 1.3 trillion with each party holding a 50% equity stake.
Having fulfilled the conditions precedent to closing with the corresponding authorities, financial institutions, insurers and concession shareholders, the newly created platform will focus on managing Opain (in charge of the El Dorado airport, in which it holds a 65% equity interest), and Quiport (in charge of the Mariscal Sucre airport, in which it holds a 46.5% ownership stake). In combination, these two airports moved over 40 million passengers in 2022, and this year they were recognized as the Best Airports in South America by the British firm Skytrax.2
“We are excited to continue to increase our footprint in the region and invest in high-quality infrastructure assets that deliver essential services,” said Karl Kuchel, CEO of Macquarie Infrastructure Partners. This investment expands our highly-valued existing partnership with Odinsa and we look forward to working collaboratively with key stakeholders going forward to further strengthen transportation infrastructure across the region.”
“Through this joint venture with Macquarie Asset Management, we confirm our commitment to the country and strengthen our position to continue consolidating and expanding our presence in Colombia and the region, through sustainable infrastructure projects that promote competitiveness and development,” added Mauricio Ossa, CEO of Odinsa.
Odinsa Aeropuertos will also be in charge of developing a number of private initiatives to strengthen Colombia’s competitiveness:
- Nuevo Aeropuerto de Cartagena: An initiative to move the Cartagena airport to new facilities with modern, efficient, sustainable, and safe infrastructure, and capacity to serve the expected growth in air traffic in upcoming years, in line with the growth projections of Cartagena, which is expected to drive several of its economic sectors.
- Campo de Vuelo: An initiative to improve and operate the runways and taxiways of the Bogotá airport with sustainable infrastructure and leading-edge technology, to enhance the operating safety and reliability of El Dorado and contribute to the environmental care and wellbeing of the communities and users.
- El Dorado Max: The proposed expansion and improvement of the existing infrastructure at the El Dorado airport in Bogotá, as well as new works to maximize its capacity over the medium term and continue consolidating its position among the best in the world.
Odinsa Aeropuertos will continue to explore other opportunities for investment and value creation in Colombia and the region, building on the broad experience of Macquarie Asset Management and Odinsa. Macquarie Asset Management’s global airport and airport-related Infrastructure experience includes current investments Aberdeen, Glasgow, Farnborough and Southampton Airports in the United Kingdom; and North Queensland and Perth Airports in Australia. Macquarie Asset Management previously had investments in additional airports across Latin America , Europe, Asia and Australia, including Brussels Airport, Sydney Airport, Newcastle Airport and GMR Airports in India.
- IPE Real Assets 2022 – Top 100 Infrastructure Investment Managers (4 July 2023), based on assets under management as of 31 December 2022.
- World Airport Awards Methodology
