No bids were submitted yesterday in the tender to operate a second cargo terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. The consortia expected to participate in the tender withdrew at the last moment: CAL - Cargo Air Lines with the Zeevi group; and Dankner Investments (TASE:DKNR).
The Zeevi group was due to submit a joint bid with CAL, Zim Israel Navigation Co., Swissport International, and Overseas Commerce, an air cargo specialist. Dankner Investments’ partners included Laufer Aviation, Flying Cargo (the Israel franchisee for Federal Express (FedEx) (NYSE:FDX) ), and Worldwide Flight Services.
The Israel Airports Authority said yesterday it would examine alternative ways to establish the new cargo terminal, and a decision would be made soon.
Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce president Uriel Lynn yesterday called on Minister of Transport Avigdor Lieberman to allow the business sector to open cargo terminals away from Ben Gurion Airport.
Lynn added that Maman Cargo Terminals and Handling (TASE:MMAN) has had a monopoly on operating air cargo terminals for years, with the result that exporters and importers are forced to use Maman, which he claims charges high fees without competition.
Ministry of Finance department of customs and VAT director general Eitan Rub and Antitrust Authority director general Dror Strum support the opening of more air cargo terminals.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 17, 2003