By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a significant shift for Costa Rica’s aviation landscape, Aeris Holding Costa Rica, the long-standing concessionaire of the nation’s primary gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), has been acquired by a leading Mexican airport operator. The deal, confirmed by the company on Wednesday, places SJO under the expansive umbrella of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, better known as Asur.
The acquisition of Aeris is a key component of a much larger, multi-national transaction. The previous parent company, Brazilian holding firm Motiva S.A., has divested its entire airport portfolio to Asur. This strategic sale encompasses a total of 20 air terminals spread across four countries: Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Curaçao, marking a major consolidation in the Latin American airport management sector.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the operational and contractual framework of Aeris Holding, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in public-private partnerships and administrative law.
The case of Aeris Holding highlights the inherent complexities of public interest concession contracts. The State must ensure that the services provided meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility for the public, while simultaneously providing the legal and financial security necessary to attract and retain private investment. Any renegotiation or dispute must be handled with extreme care, as it not only affects the operation of our main air terminal but also sends a critical signal to the international investment community about Costa Rica’s commitment to its contractual obligations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight masterfully captures the core dilemma: maintaining a world-class public service while upholding the legal certainty that underpins our nation’s investment climate. The handling of this case will undoubtedly be a bellwether for Costa Rica’s global reputation, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective.
Asur is a formidable force in the industry, operating as a publicly traded company listed on both the Mexican Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to this landmark deal, Asur already managed a robust portfolio of 16 international airports located in Mexico, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. This acquisition significantly expands its geographical footprint and solidifies its position as a dominant player in the Western Hemisphere.
In a press release addressing the transition, Aeris expressed optimism about the future under new ownership. The company highlighted the potential benefits for the country’s most vital piece of travel infrastructure, viewing the change as a catalyst for progress and modernization.
The eventual integration with Grupo Asur represents opportunities for innovation, investment, and development for Costa Rica’s airport infrastructure.
Aeris, Company Statement
Despite the change in high-level ownership, travelers and airport employees should expect business as usual. Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of Aeris, provided assurances that the operational integrity and local management of Juan Santamaría Airport will remain unchanged. He emphasized a commitment to continuity for the team that has successfully overseen the airport’s operations.
This does not imply any change in the management of Juan Santamaría Airport, which will remain under the charge of the same local team, maintaining its structure and operational model.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
The strategic implications for Costa Rica are considerable. SJO is not merely an airport; it is the main artery for the country’s thriving tourism industry and a critical hub for commerce. The infusion of Asur’s extensive international experience and financial backing could accelerate planned upgrades, introduce new technologies for passenger processing, and attract new airline routes, further enhancing Costa Rica’s connectivity with the world.
This move is reflective of a broader trend where specialized, large-scale airport operators are leveraging their expertise and capital to acquire and manage key infrastructure assets across Latin America. For Asur, adding SJO is a strategic prize that provides a foothold in Central America’s stable and growing market. For Costa Rica, it signals continued international confidence in the nation’s economic stability and its future as a premier travel destination.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About Aeris Holding Costa Rica:
Aeris Holding Costa Rica is the concessionaire responsible for the operation, management, and expansion of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main international gateway. The company oversees all aspects of the airport’s infrastructure and services, working to provide a safe and efficient experience for millions of passengers annually while promoting the country’s economic and tourism development.
For further information, visit asur.com.mx
About Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (Asur):
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (Asur) is a leading international airport group headquartered in Mexico. As a publicly traded entity on the NYSE and BMV, Asur operates a large and diverse portfolio of airports across Mexico, the United States, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and now Costa Rica, among other nations. The group is known for its operational efficiency and strategic investments in airport infrastructure.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Motiva S.A.
About Motiva S.A.:
Motiva S.A. was a Brazilian holding company with significant investments in the infrastructure sector, particularly in airport management. The firm managed a diverse portfolio of air terminals across Latin America and the Caribbean before divesting these assets in a strategic sale.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and legal excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a leading force in the nation’s legal landscape. The firm skillfully merges a tradition of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of innovation. Central to its identity is a profound dedication to empowering the public, championing initiatives that make legal knowledge understandable and accessible to all, thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
