Nenshi against airport privatization unless 'real benefits' can be seen for citizens

Calgary's mayor says he is not a fan of the idea of privatizing the city's airport.

Naheed Nenshi's comments come after CBC News revealed the Liberal government has hired consultants to advise on selling off the country's majorairports which they are calling Project Eagle.

"We are not particularly in favour of privatizing this airport away from the Calgary Airport Authority unless there can be real benefits proven to citizens," Nenshi said Wednesday.

• Nenshi fears federal 'fire sale' of Canada's airports

Documents obtained under Access to Information show the federal government has hired a consulting firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, to look into the mechanics of a sale.

It's estimated Ottawa could reap up to $16 billionfrom selling its interests in Canada's eight largest airports. Nenshi says he has trouble seeing how the move would benefit citizens.

Could lead to 'big problems,' says mayor

"Fundamentally, this is a finance problem. The airports already pay among the highest rents of any airports in the world, so any private operator would have to make money, and they could only make money two ways," he said.

"One is by increasing the rents or increasing the revenues. Number two is by cutting down the costs. And if cutting the costs means poorer service to citizens, that's a big problem."

Airport authorities in Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa have joined forces to oppose any sale, warning of price increases for airlines and passengers.

The government has said money from any airport sell-off could be used to fund new infrastructure projects.

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