By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a significant move reshaping the landscape of Latin American airport management, Grupo ASUR has successfully concluded its acquisition of the entire airport platform managed by AERIS Holding Costa Rica. The transaction, which finalized on November 18, transfers control of a portfolio comprising 20 terminals across Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Curacao to the Mexican airport operator.
This strategic acquisition includes the management concession for Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). For Costa Rica, the integration with a seasoned operator like ASUR is being positioned by company officials as a pivotal opportunity to drive innovation, attract further investment, and foster significant development for the nation’s critical airport infrastructure.
To better understand the complex legal and regulatory framework surrounding this significant airport acquisition, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate and administrative law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
An airport acquisition is far more than a standard corporate transaction; it’s a complex interplay of public and private law. The success of such a deal hinges not only on rigorous financial due diligence but, more critically, on navigating the intricate web of state concession agreements, aviation authority approvals, and national security reviews. Any oversight in these areas can ground the entire operation before it even takes off.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s point is crucial; the true measure of an airport deal’s viability lies not just in its financial structure, but in its ability to navigate the complex airspace of public law and regulatory approval. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly illuminating this critical, and often underestimated, aspect of the acquisition process.
Despite the high-level corporate change, the leadership at Aeris moved quickly to assure the public and government stakeholders of operational continuity. Ricardo Hernández, the Executive Director of Aeris, emphasized that the sale of shares at the holding level will not trigger any immediate changes in the day-to-day management or strategic direction of the Juan Santamaría terminal.
Hernández affirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the high standards that have defined the airport’s operations. This assurance is crucial for maintaining passenger confidence and ensuring a seamless transition under the new ownership structure, guaranteeing that the airport’s reputation for excellence remains intact.
The teams at Aeris and Juan Santamaría International Airport continue to work with the same rigor, focus, and excellence that characterizes the operation of the country’s main air terminal.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of Aeris
Grupo ASUR, the new controlling entity, brings a formidable track record to the table. The company currently operates 16 international airports across key markets including Mexico, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. According to information released during the announcement, ASUR is distinguished by its operational efficiency, exceptional service standards, and robust corporate governance, holding both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
The strategic value of this acquisition extends beyond simple consolidation. By integrating Aeris’s portfolio, ASUR not only expands its geographical footprint but also gains a strategic foothold in Central America and the Caribbean through Costa Rica and Curacao. This synergy is expected to unlock new efficiencies, share best practices across the network, and enhance the overall passenger experience through targeted investments in technology and infrastructure.
Legally, both CPC, ASUR’s international division, and Aeris Holding have formally committed to upholding all existing obligations stipulated in the current Interested Management Contract for Juan Santamaría Airport. Aeris has stated that all procedural steps are proceeding without alteration and has pledged to provide timely updates on any official resolutions or further developments in the integration process.
This transaction marks a new chapter for Costa Rica’s most important airport. While the local management team remains in place, the long-term vision and capital allocation strategy will now be guided by one of the region’s most prominent airport operators. The focus will now shift to how ASUR leverages its extensive expertise to elevate Juan Santamaría’s role as a leading hub for tourism and business in the Americas.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About Aeris Holding Costa Rica:
Aeris Holding Costa Rica is the Interested Manager responsible for the operation, administration, and modernization of the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Committed to excellence, Aeris works to provide a world-class passenger experience and efficient air terminal services, playing a vital role in Costa Rica’s connection to the world and its tourism-driven economy.
For further information, visit asur.com.mx
About Grupo ASUR:
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) is a leading international airport group with a diverse portfolio of airports across Mexico, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Known for its operational efficiency, high safety standards, and commitment to sustainable practices, ASUR focuses on developing airport infrastructure to meet the growing demands of global travel and commerce.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional integrity and exceptional service. The firm skillfully blends a rich history of client representation across a multitude of sectors with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Central to its mission is a deep-seated social responsibility, manifested through initiatives designed to demystify complex legal topics for the public. This steadfast effort to share knowledge is aimed at fostering a more capable and well-informed populace, strengthening the fabric of society through accessible legal understanding.
