Key Requirements for Participating in the Concession, Management, and Operation of Scarlett Martínez International Airport, Río Hato, Panama

Rodrigo Julio Molina O / 21 Oct 2026

1. Overview

Private sector participation in Scarlett Martínez International Airport may take the form of a
concession, management and operation agreement, or privatization.

• Concession or management: The State retains ownership of the airport and grants a private company the right to manage, operate, maintain, or develop its facilities under agreed contractual terms.
• Privatization: Involves transferring ownership or a government-held interest to the private sector, subject to applicable law and government authorization.

The applicable requirements will depend on the structure approved by the Government of Panama
and the official procurement documents. The existence of an open tender must be confirmed through
official sources.

2. Status of the Process — October 2026

According to the information provided, the Government of Panama has authorized the prequalification of companies interested in operating, maintaining, and carrying out construction or improvement works at Scarlett Martínez International Airport.

The process reportedly involves Cabinet Resolution No. 104, dated September 29, 2026, and published in the Official Gazette on October 7, 2026. The prequalification stage would precede a best-value tender administered by Tocumen International Airport, S.A.

Important legal verification: The resolution number, date, publication, and current status of the procurement process must be verified before relying on this information.

If confirmed, the process would concern the selection of a private airport operator and would not, in itself, constitute a sale or transfer of airport ownership.

3. Key Participation Requirements

Interested companies should be prepared to demonstrate the following:

• Legal capacity: Certificate of incorporation, proof of good standing, identification of the legal representative, and relevant powers of attorney.
• Administrative capacity: Organizational structure, management team, operating procedures, and regulatory compliance systems.
• Technical qualifications: Experience in airport operations, terminal maintenance, aviation safety, infrastructure, and airport services.
• Financial capacity: Financial statements, bank references, investment capacity, and evidence of financial solvency.
• Relevant experience: Completed contracts, client references, certifications, and evidence of comparable projects.
• Operating proposal: Operations and maintenance plan, proposed investments, service improvements, and commercial development strategy, as required by the tender documents.

Participation through a consortium or joint venture may be possible, subject to the official eligibility requirements and conditions applicable to each member.
Eligibility cannot be assumed for individuals, newly established companies, or companies without airport operating experience. The applicable prequalification rules will determine whether such
applicants may participate independently or must partner with qualified operators.

4. Official Sources

The following sources should be consulted to confirm the procurement process and obtain the applicable documents:

• PanamaCompra — Public Procurement System: For official tender notices, prequalification documents, bidding terms, amendments, and related procurement information.
• Office of the President of Panama: For government announcements and Cabinet resolutions authorizing the process.
• Official Gazette of Panama: For the official text, publication date, and legal status of the relevant resolution.

5. Recommended Next Steps

1.  Verify Cabinet Resolution No. 104 and its official publication.
2. Confirm the contracting authority and obtain the official prequalification and tender documents.
3. Review eligibility criteria, technical experience requirements, financial thresholds, and solvency requirements.
4. Determine whether participation is permitted individually or through a consortium or joint venture.
5. Assemble the required corporate, legal, technical, administrative, and financial documentation.
6. Confirm submission deadlines, evaluation criteria, the procurement timetable, and contractual terms before submitting an expression of interest or proposal.

Conclusion

Participation in the Scarlett Martínez International Airport project will depend on satisfying the eligibility and qualification requirements established by the competent authorities and the final
procurement documents.

A critical distinction must be maintained between the appointment of a private operator under a concession or operating agreement and the privatization or transfer of airport ownership. These are
legally distinct arrangements and may require different approvals and procedures.

Disclaimer: This memorandum summarizes the information provided and identifies the principal requirements to prepare for. It does not independently verify the legal or factual accuracy of the reported procurement process. Cabinet Resolution No. 104 and its publication should be confirmed before this memorandum is relied upon as definitive legal advice.