VINCI completes upgrade of airports in Northern Brazil

VINCI Airports has completed the modernisation projects at seven airports in the Northern Region of Brazil, consolidating improvements to the airport infrastructure of the Amazon.

The global airport operator says that the “massive works plan” was part of VINCI Airports’ commitment when it acquired the Amazon based airports in 2021.

With a total investment of R$1.4 billion, the works covered the airports of Manaus (AM), Tefé (AM), Tabatinga (AM), Porto Velho (RO), Boa Vista (RR), Rio Branco (AC) and Cruzeiro do Sul (AC), with the aim of improving safety, accessibility, comfort and operational efficiency.

According to VINCI, the improvements provide a better experience for passengers and boost local economic development by strengthening air connections between the Amazon and the rest of Brazil and the world.

All images courtesy of VINCI Airports/Will Recarey.

It notes that “the completion of these interventions is a milestone for the future of aviation in the North Region, ensuring that the airports are prepared to meet the growing demand for passengers while promoting sustainability and local progress”.

Explaining a little more, Julio Ribas, CEO of VINCI Airports CEO in Brazil, says: “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.

“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.”

In addition to delivering structural improvements and ensuring operational safety, VINCI Airports has carried out strategic work to increase connectivity and, consequently, increase passenger traffic in the seven terminals.

At Porto Velho International Airport, the venue for the inauguration ceremony, the works included expanding the passenger terminal, modernising the runway, and installing new refrigeration and accessibility systems.

In addition, new facilities such as elevators and escalators were installed, ensuring easier and safer access for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility.

The restoration of the landing and takeoff runway, which meets the highest safety standards, was also an important focus of the interventions, ensuring safer and more reliable operations.

Manaus Airport, the main airport in the region, underwent a series of upgrades designed to increase operational capacity and improving the passenger experience.

Among the works, the renovation of the departure and arrival lounges, modernisation of the baggage conveyor belts, installation of new refrigeration systems, and replacement of the lighting with LED technology stand out.

At Tefé and Tabatinga airports, improvements focused on safety and sustainability.

Both received a new solar-powered nighttime lighting system, using autonomous LED lights to ensure safe operations under an unprecedented Sandbox procedure in partnership with the civil aviation, ANAC, which aims to serve as proof of concept of such innovative solution in Brazil and allow for regulation to advance accordingly.