Mitsubishi Corporation participates in new airport operation project in Mongolia

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA), Japan Airport Terminal Co., (JATCO), and JALUX Inc. (JALUX) have established a joint venture with the Government of Mongolia: New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (NUBIA). NUBIA has entered into a 15-year concession agreement with the National Development Agency of Mongolia concerning the operation of the New Ulaanbaatar International Airport, which is expected to open in the first half of 2020 upon completion of pre-operation work and relocation from the existing airport.

Demand for air transport in Mongolia is rising, with Ulaanbaatar, its capital and thus most important political, economic and commercial hub, at the center of growth. In 2018, the number of passengers utilizing the existing airport reached 1.42 million, up 14% from the previous year. With continued investment in its abundant coal, mineral and livestock resources, demand for aviation services is expected to increase further in Mongolia and boost the importance of its airports.

While the New Airport is located approximately 50 km south of Ulaanbaatar city, its new geographical location enables aircraft to take off and land from both ends of the runway. This is a significant improvement from the existing airport, where, due to mountains to the south and east, only one end of the runway can be used and flight schedules are more often adversely impacted by weather conditions such as wind direction. The New Airport has been realized through an ODA (Official Development Assistance) yen loan provided by the Government of Japan to the Government of Mongolia.