Thirteen companies or consortia are bidding to take over the running of the Grantley Adams International Airport.

A statement from Chairman of the airport’s board of directors, Vic Fernandes, said that entities vying to take over management of the airport have significant experience in the aviation sector and have received the go-ahead to bid on the operation.

The entity selected will get a contract to run the Barbados airport for up to 30 years.

The entities expressing interest include airport operation companies from across the globe including Santo Domingo, Argentina, the UK, Canada and the Netherlands, as well groups from closer to home, such as a consortium with Jamaican involvement and another group VINCI Airports, an international company, in consortium with the Barbados-based Williams Industries.

Mr. Fernandes stated that he was delighted to have reached this stage in the divestment of the Grantley Adams International Airport.