VINCI Airports completed modernization works at seven airports in the Amazon region and held a symbolic ceremony to deliver the projects, attended by top company executives at Porto Velho Airport.
The modernization works are part of the commitment undertaken by VINCI Airports in 2021 when incorporating the airports of the Brazilian Amazon. The investment made by the consortium amounted to 1.4 billion reais (~USD 232 million), allocated to the airports of Manaus, Tefé, Tabatinga in Amazonas; Porto Velho, Rondônia; Boa Vista, Roraima; Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre.
During the inauguration event, the results of the works carried out at each airport were presented, ranging from the renovation of passenger terminals and runways to the installation of new cooling and lighting systems. The completion of these interventions ensures that the airports are prepared to meet the growing passenger demand while promoting sustainability and local progress.
The Regional Director of VINCI Airports for Portugal, Brazil, and Cape Verde, Thierry Ligonnière, stated that «these improvements delivered to the Amazonian airports are a testament to a necessary investment, a sign of confidence in the development potential of these regions, and will drive job creation and local economic growth.»
«The terminal upgrades are essential to strengthening the region’s connectivity, ensuring these airports play an increasingly important role in bolstering the Amazon’s economy and its integration with the rest of the country and the world,» he added.
The Brazilian Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, noted that «VINCI Airports is a very relevant and strategic partner for Brazil, offering very high service quality. The Northern Region is privileged to have a company of this size and expertise, and our goal is to work increasingly closely with VINCI Airports to expand partnerships and invest even more in the region.»
Works at Porto Velho
At Porto Velho Airport, the improvements included the expansion and restructuring of the passenger terminal, runway modernization, and the installation of new accessibility and cooling systems. These interventions have increased operational capacity, enabling the airport to handle domestic and international flights with greater comfort and efficiency.
Manaus Airport (MAO)
The works at Manaus Airport involved the renovation of departure and arrival halls, modernization of baggage conveyor belts, installation of new cooling systems, and replacement of lighting with LED technology. Additionally, an automated domestic boarding system was implemented, and the international boarding flow was restructured, offering greater comfort and efficiency.
In terms of sustainability, a Sustainability Complex was created, including a new electrical substation and an advanced wastewater treatment system.
Tefé and Tabatinga Airports
At Tefé and Tabatinga airports, improvements focused on safety and sustainability, with the installation of a new solar-powered night lighting system using autonomous LED lights to ensure operational safety. This was implemented under an unprecedented Sandbox procedure in collaboration with civil aviation authorities (ANAC) to serve as a proof of concept for this innovative solution in Brazil and enable regulatory advancements accordingly.
Additionally, boarding and disembarking areas were remodeled, waste treatment facilities were reviewed, and accessibility was improved.
Boa Vista Airport
The modernization and expansion works by VINCI Airports at Boa Vista Airport addressed a longstanding issue in northern Amazonia, permanently resolving runway limitations and improving infrastructure to meet growing passenger demand. The boarding lounge, arrival area, baggage claim area, and food court were expanded.
The new area spans 375 square meters, more than doubling the previous structure, and includes facilities for persons with disabilities (PWD) and families, inspection areas for agencies such as Anvisa and Vigiagro, passport control, customs, and baggage claim carousels.
Additionally, twelve new check-in counters with automated conveyor belts were installed, enhancing operational safety and preventing luggage damage. The baggage carousels are larger and offer more comfort to passengers.
Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul Airports
At Rio Branco Airport, the modernization works resulted in a more functional terminal, with improvements to the boarding area, restrooms, and runway. At Cruzeiro do Sul Airport, efforts focused on enhancing the terminal and runway infrastructure. The upgrades included the installation of new signage, adapted restrooms, and more comfortable boarding and disembarking areas, improving the user experience.
Increasing connectivity in the Amazon region
In addition to structural improvements and ensuring operational safety, the Amazon Airports Concessionaire conducted strategic work to enhance connectivity and passenger traffic across the seven terminals. Eleven new destinations were made available—eight domestic and three international—and the expectation is for traffic at the seven airports to grow by around 10% by 2025.
Furthermore, five of the seven terminals have already surpassed the passenger numbers recorded in 2019, with Boa Vista and Rio Branco showing growth of 32% and 24%, respectively, marking the best operational results in their history. Manaus is expected to match pre-pandemic levels next year but will close 2024 with nearly 2.95 million passengers, just 1% below 2019 figures.
