The expansion and modernisation of the facilities and equipment of Kalamata International Airport «Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos» is expected to make a significant contribution to the further development of the Peloponnese and even more so of Messinia as a destination of international importance, following the securing of the concession right by the Fraport consortium with Pileas and Delta Airport Investments. The second of the partners in the scheme, moreover, belongs to the interests of Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos« son Achilleas, and his brothers Kostis and Christos Konstantakopoulos will soon join Pileas.
The price for the 40-year concession of the right to administer, manage, operate, develop, expand, maintain and exploit the facility amounts to 45 million, However, additional funds will also be paid during the concession period, bringing the revenues for the State to 71.2 million. The consortium, in which, in addition to the Konstantinopoulos family (24.5%), the Kopelouzos group (24.5%) and Fraport AG (51%) also participate, has also committed itself to making investments of 28.3 million euros from the first three years. 28.3 billion in the first three years, with immediate priority to upgrade the infrastructure, while the next phase will involve the construction of a new passenger terminal and the expansion of the infrastructure to increase the capacity to serve more passengers. The State through the State Treasury has the right to participate in the share capital of the concessionaire with a share of 10% in the future. The relevant tender process was conducted by the Ypertha Fund and, according to the Minister of Finance Costis Hatzidakis and the partners of the concessionaire, the upgrade of Kalamata airport to a modern and efficient airport will strengthen the country's position in the global tourism market, improving the accessibility of foreign visitors to the region. Moreover, the operation of a modern international airport in Messinia is in perfect alignment with the business plan of TEMES -also of the Constantakopoulos family's interests and major shareholder of the four hotel complexes and golf courses on the Costa Navarino- for the development of international tourism in the region.
The revenue of the State from the concession is expected to amount to EUR 71.2 million.
The upgraded airport in Kalamata is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the destination and lead to its further development, allowing it to accommodate an ever-increasing number of visitors. Already this year, the airport has recorded an increase in passenger traffic that is expected to exceed 11% at the close of the year, while the prospects for 2025 are positive, as many new flights and routes have been announced by airlines such as EasyJet, Jet2 and Discover.
«The participation of the Konstantakopoulos Group in the bidding for the concession for the development of Kalamata airport underlines the family's commitment to the development of infrastructure in the region, for the attraction of quality tourism,» the group's circles note. «All shareholders of the consortium are committed at the strategic and resource investment level to the development of Kalamata airport and its transformation into a modern, competitive and top performing regional airport on a global scale, with a very significant investment in both initial price and investment expenditure,» the same sources added.
Kalamata Airport bears the name of the late Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos, following a decision by most of the municipal councils of Messinia and the regional council of the Peloponnese, in honour of the captain's overall contribution and contribution to the region.
Elias Bellos
