VINCI Airports has finalised the modernisation of seven airports in Northern Brazil, marking the improvements with a ceremony at Porto Velho Airport on 28 November.
Present at the ceremony was the Minister of Ports and Airports of Brazil Silvio Costa Filho, and the National Aviation Secretary, Thomé França. The upgrades were initiated by VINCI to increase connectivity and passenger traffic, with 11 new destinations now available across the airports, helping to strength connections between the Amazon and the rest of Brazil.
The airports to receive the accumulative BRL 1.4 billion investment were: Manaus, Tefé, Tabatinga, Porto Velho, Boa Vista, Rio Branco, and Cruzeiro do Sul.
“We have concluded this important phase with the commitment to transform these airports into safer, more efficient and more comfortable environments, meeting the growing demand of passengers,” said VINCI Airports CEO in Brazil, Julio Ribas. “We will continue to invest and work to attract new flights, boosting local economic development and strengthening the Amazon’s connection with the rest of the country and the world.”
Manaus Airport is the main airport in the region, with its improvements being made based on increasing operational capacity and boosting passenger experience. The additions included renovated departure and arrival lounges, modernised baggage conveyor belts, new refrigeration systems, LED lighting, and an automated domestic boarding system. A sustainability Complex including a power substation and effluent treatment system was also created.
The modernization of Tefé and Tabatinga airports focused on sustainability and safety, with the installation of solar-powered nighttime lighting using autonomous LED lights, renovations to the boarding and disembarking areas, revisions to the waste treatment plants, and accessibility improvements.
Cruzeiro do Sul Airport received upgrades to its terminal and runway infrastructure to improve accessibility and security, such as new signage, adapted bathrooms, and more comfortable boarding and disembarking areas. The terminal at Rio Branco Airport was rendered more functional with infrastructure, bathroom, and boarding area improvements, and a modernised runway.
An expansion project at Boa Vista Airport to accommodate growing passenger traffic has been underway since April 2023 and concluded in October of this year, showcasing a larger boarding lounge, arrivals hall, baggage claim area, and food court. The new area is double the previous size at 375 square metres, and now holds more bathrooms, including facilities for families and people with disabilities, 12 new check-in counters with automated belts, larger baggage carousels, and inspection areas for agencies such as Anvisa and Vigiargro.
Porto Velho International Airport’s operational capacity has been significantly increased with an expanded terminal, modernised runway, and new refrigeration and accessibility systems. Elevators and escalators were also installed to aid passengers with reduced mobility and improve safe access for all passengers.
Collectively, these finished works will greatly assist in boosting the local economy and providing safe, comfortable and accessible venues for passengers, as well as more easily operated and larger capacity facilities for airlines.
Photo: VINCI Airports
