Investment company China Everbright Limited (CEL) has completed the acquisition of 100% of shares in Tirana International Airport SHPK (TIA), which owns the concession right to operate Tirana International Airport in Albania until 2027.
Tirana International is Albania’s primary airport and the number of annual passengers at the airport has increased from 600,000 in 2005 to more than two million in 2015.
Chen Shuang, executive director and CEO of CEL, said, “Thanks to the support of the Albanian government and TIA’s management team, CEL is delighted to have completed the acquisition of Tirana International Airport. The acquisition is a proactive corporate approach to identify good infrastructure investment opportunities, which is in line with China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative.
“With CEL’s support and resources, TIA can further upgrade its facilities and hardware to create excellence in all aspects. Also, leveraging on CEL’s extensive networks in China, we believe that trading and tourism between the two countries will be further promoted. Therefore, this acquisition is of great significance and value.”
CEL is experienced in the aviation industry and is the single largest shareholder of China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited, an independent aircraft leasing business. China is currently Albania’s second largest trading partner nationally.
Rolf Castro-Vasquez, CEO of TIA, said, “We are thrilled to announce an era of transformation with CEL. The current shareholders and all employees have proudly developed the airport and served its passengers, providing state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to further growth under the new shareholder by delivering what our travelers need and wish for.”