Sicily's SAC Airport Operator Privatization Advances
The first phase of the privatization process for SAC, the company that runs Catania and Comiso airports, has been concluded with the selection of a preferred economic operator for the sale of the majority share. A second phase has now opened, admitting ten qualified firms to submit bids for the concession. Trade unions and local groups have voiced concerns: the Mpa‑Grande Catania movement urged that transparency, strategic control (a "golden share"), worker protection and regional development be guaranteed, while CISAL Catania called for a public debate to examine technical and legal aspects of the sale. The process is being overseen by the regional authorities and the Chamber of Commerce, with the aim of preserving public interest while attracting private investment to the airports.
Entities: Anna Quattrone · Antonio Belcuore · CISAL Catania · Catania Airport · Comiso Airport · Enrico Trantino · Mpa‑Grande Catania · Nico Torrisi · Royal Schiphol Group · SAC (Sicily Airport Company) · SAC (Società di Gestione degli Aeroporti di Catania e Comiso) · SAC S.p.A.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] SAC reported an annual operating profit of €8 million and a projected investment need of about €1 billion. (0074eaee-f848-4522-b8d9-0b987f15e98e)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The second phase of the privatization was officially launched at a press conference in Catania. (press conference at the Chamber of Commerce of South‑East Sicily)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Patto per la Sicilia orientale raised three questions about post‑sale governance, Golden Power and the Comiso industrial plan. (Patto per la Sicilia orientale press briefing)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Ten operators were admitted to the second phase: Corporación America Airports S.A., Royal Schiphol Group, Mundys S.p.A., Adani Airport Holdings Limited, Save S.p.A., 2I Aeroporti S.p.A., Mag Overseas (list of admitted operators)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Officials at the conference included Mayor Enrico Trantino, Commissioner Antonio Belcuore, SAC President Anna Quattrone and CEO Nico Torrisi. (press conference attendance)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The first phase of the SAC privatization received 14 expressions of interest. (first phase results)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The third phase will select five companies to submit binding offers for the airports. (future phase plan)