2i Aeroporti, the largest airport platform in Italy, has successfully acquired a 55 percent stake in Aeroporto Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy for €32.8 million ($36.9 million). The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region will maintain a 45 percent stake.
2i Aeroporti is co-controlled by Italian Infrastructure Fund (F2i SGR), an asset management company, and a consortium led by Ardian Infrastructure.
With the purchase, Trieste airport will become part of one of the largest Italian airport networks, which includes the airports of Naples, Turin, Alghero, Milan (Linate and Malpensa), Bologna and, indirectly, Bergamo.
“This operation allows us to enter into a network of primary importance and thus strengthen the strategic positioning of our airport also from a commercial standpoint,” said Antonio Marano, president of Trieste Airport.
In 2018, the airports of the 2i Aeroporti network handled around 71 million passengers, corresponding to 39 percent of national traffic, with an aggregate turnover of around €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion).
The new shareholders, in agreement with the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, will work together to further develop the connections of Trieste airport toward Italy and abroad in order to offer quality services, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.
The investment plan includes €15 million ($17 million) for the strengthening of flight infrastructures and an €11 million ($12 million) investment for further infrastructural improvements, airport services and other buildings. An amount of €2 million ($2.2 million) will also be invested in “green projects” through the installation of renewable energy systems. Lastly, €2 million ($2.2 million) will be allocated to airport security and further upgrades of access roads.
