The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has awarded Aecon the International Business Award for its role in achieving completion of the Quito International Airport project in Ecuador.
The CCA International Business Award recognizes the outstanding activities, programs, and accomplishments of a Canadian-based business or association active in the construction industry in the area of international business or trade.
Aecon holds a 42.3 percent economic interest in Corporaciσn Quiport S.A. (Quiport), the owner of a concession awarded by the City of Quito to design, build, finance, and operate the new Quito Airport, which included the interim operation of Quito’s existing airport from 2002 until the new facility was completed.
Quiport’s international partners include Brazil’s CCR S.A., Airport Development Corporation of Toronto, and HAS Development Corporation of Houston.
Aecon Constructors built the greenfield airport as part of a 50/50 joint venture with Andrade Gutierrez Constructores S.A., a construction company based in Brazil. Aecon’s Concessions group provided overall leadership of the Quiport concession.
“Aecon successfully exported our full suite of project development, financing, management, construction, safety, and engineering expertise to Ecuador. We are pleased to be recognized by the CCA for our significant contributions towards developing this modern airport,” said Steve Nackan, President, Aecon Concessions. “Over the past decade, Quiport has transformed a mountain plateau into a world class international airport, built to the highest aviation standards and specifications, while improving both the local economy and environment. The successful completion of this project was the direct result of the mutual cooperation and partnership between Quiport, the City of Quito, and the Government of Ecuador.”
Work began on the $700 million (U.S.) airport project in 2006 and the new Quito International Airport officially opened to commercial air traffic in February 2013. Today the airport boasts the longest runway in Latin America at 4,100 metres, the most technologically-advanced air traffic control system, and spacious terminal buildings to process more than five million passengers annually.
“I am extremely proud of both Aecon’s Concessions and Constructors groups, led by Steve Nackan and Doug Steels respectively, for winning the CCA’s International Business Award,” said John Beck, Aecon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This award demonstrates the significant role Canadian companies play in developing large, complex projects in other parts of the world.”
The International Business Award was presented to Aecon at the CCA’s 2014 Annual Conference in Panama.