COPENHAGEN Airport has been chosen as the preferred bidder for a potential Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Newcastle International Airport.

The deal will involve the sale of a 49 per cent equity interest in the airport, and a technical services agreement.

Copenhagen was chosen from two bidders which submitted final offers on March 2.

The other bidder, retained as a reserve, is a consortium consisting of Alterra Partners, Singapore Changi Airport Enterprises (SCAE) and Flughafen Zurich Airport Group.

Both bids were judged against a range of criteria to assess the quality of each organisation.

As a potential partner, Copenhagen Airport has emphasised a commitment to the strengthening of Newcastle Airport as a successful and expanding airport, as well as to regional economic development.

Copenhagen is one of Europe's largest airport companies and operates the main hub in Scandanavia.

Copenhagen Airport has the capability to provide access to leading skills in the fields of airport operations, retail management and property and infrastructure developments.

It has significant international experience in investment in cooperation with the public sector and a common long-term investment philosophy.

Following the announcement of the preferred bidder, the local authority shareholders will evaluate the bid to become a strategic partner, alongside the option of Newcastle Airport continuing to operate on a stand alone basis.

A final decision on whether or not to proceed with the PPP will be taken by the end of April.

Councillor Rita Stringfellow, chairwoman of the Newcastle Airport board of directors, said: "The shareholders are committed to securing the best arrangement for the future development of the airport.

"Our deliberations will now focus on the benefits of a strategic partner with a 49 per cent equity against remaining with 100 per cent local authority ownership."

"Newcastle Airport's ability to maintain a strong position in a highly competitive industry will be central to our deliberations, alongside the ability to enhance the airport's positive contribution to the North-East economy," she said.