Japanese Transport Ministry announced that it selected a group led by Tokyo-based railway company Tokyu Corp. and including two construction companies Maeda and Tokyu Construction as a preferred bidder to operate Sendai Airport in northern Japan. This would be a first contract to sell a right to run a state-owned airport to the private sector. The group will begin operation of the airport by the end of June, 2016, followed by a final agreement to be made between the government and the contractor.

The concession period is up to 65 years. A special purpose company to be established by the group will operate the runway and the terminal building. The ministry plans to transform six airports including Kansai International Airport in Osaka and Fukuoka Airport to private-run airports. (2015/09/14)