Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) put out a request for tender proposals last week to upgrade the Tanintharyi Airport. The aim is to
renovate and expand the Kawthaung airport in the southern region of Tanintharyi. The DCA is searching for both independent investors and partner shareholders to construct and maintain runways, warehouses, terminals and other infrastructure. The contract terms could extend to 30 years, with the option to renew for an additional 10 years, according to a Myanmar Times report. The search for new investors follows the collapse of a major $36 million tender awarded to Golden Myanmar Airlines.

Kawthaung airport is a main port of entry for the Tanintharyi Region, home of both the Dawei Special Economic Zone and several holiday destinations. The government is promoting the region as it works to revitalize the struggling tourism industry. Dawei, in particular, while boasting some of the most attractive beaches in Southeast Asia, is relatively underdeveloped and difficult to access.