Fraport to operate Brazilian airports
German airport operator Fraport has signed a concession agreement with the Brazilian government to manage and develop Porto Alegre and Pinto Martins–Fortaleza international airports in Brazil.
The company’s Brazilian subsidiary, Fraport Brasil, is expected to take over operations at the airports by early 2018. Under the agreement, the operator is required to develop the infrastructure at Fortaleza and Porto Alegre airports via a Mandatory Construction Program that includes expansion of the existing terminals, extending the existing runways, refurbishing taxiways and apron areas, and re-designing the airport road system.
Furthermore, both airports will receive new automated baggage management and security screening systems, and new aircraft boarding bridges. In addition, numerous refurbishment projects will be carried out at the existing passenger terminals. Free high-speed wi-fi will also be introduced in passenger areas to improve the customer experience.
Dr Stefan Schulte, executive board chairman, Fraport, said, “We have been closely watching the Brazilian market for some years and are excited to be operating at not one, but two airports. We are convinced of the great potential offered by the strategic, ‘best-located’ gateways of Fortaleza and Porto Alegre.”
Aletta von Massenbach, senior executive vice president for Global Investments and Management, Fraport, said, “We are working closely with Infraero – the current operator of the two airports – along with the SAC (Civil Aviation Secretary of the Brazilian Presidency), ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), and other competent state institutions in advancing the transition process for handing over operations at both airports.
The concession agreements outline vital mandatory infrastructure projects that will significantly enhance overall operations, service performance and capacity – thus benefitting airlines, passengers, airport business partners, as well as helping drive economic development in the respective airport regions served by Fortaleza and Porto Alegre airports.”
Schulte also announced the appointment of Andrea Pal as the CEO of Fraport Brasil. “She is a highly respected aviation executive and a Fraport Group veteran with more than 16 years in the international airport business,” said Schulte.
“Andrea Pal has played an instrumental role in overall financial management of Pulkovo Airport, along with overseeing project financing, tendering as well as financial management of major construction projects – like Pulkovo’s popular new international terminal.”
