Turkish firm plans $1 bn airport project foray

Turkish ground handling major Celebi Holding Inc is planning to enter Indian aviation market with an earmarked investment of $1 billion.

Celebi is in talks with various Indian companies for strategic partnership in airport management, terminal management and ground handling in India.

"We are scouting for a local partner in India for bidding for the aviation projects. Though we have initiated talks with some Indian companies, nothing has been finalised yet," said Canan Celebiglu Tokgoz, vice-chairperson, Celebi Holiding Inc.

The Celebi group is active in civil aviation, tourism, transportation and fast food. Established in 1958, the group also focuses on cargo handling, warehouse operations, transit fuel services, load control, communications and passenger traffic.

"Indian aviation sector is booming and it is easy to get international finance for this market. We will bring 20 per cent equity and remaining will be raised in the form of loan for Indian market," she said.

Jungbir Singh, India representative of Celebi Holding Inc, said the company was looking at the business prospects of tier-II airports of the country.

"We are keenly awaiting the civil aviation policy, which will clarify the foreign direct investment norms in ground handling, to focus on ground handling as well as airport management," Singh said.

Tokgoz said the group would like to take part in upcoming projects of Chennai and Kolkata airport modernisation jointly with a local partner.

Singh added that the group is looking for long-term investment in India and would also look into 'city-side development' including creating infrastructure for retail outlets, hotels and entertainments outlets at the airports.

Celebi Holdings Ing was Turkey's first privately-owned ground handling company, which is currently employing 2,500 personnel at 9 locations to handle 45,700 aircraft, 11 million passengers, and 68,000 tonne of cargo a year. At present, Celebi ranks among Europe's biggest ground handling companies.