Winning bidders for Brazil airports have operations in several countries

Foreign groups that will operate the four Brazilian airports auctioned Thursday (Mar. 16) have experience running other airports overseas. Airport management expertise was among the requirements outlined in the concession tender invitation to operate airports in Porto Alegre, Fortaleza, Salvador, and Florianópolis.

Investments in the four airports are expected to reach $2.3 billion. The winning bidders must expand passenger terminals (except in Florianópolis, where a new terminal is to be built), aprons, and airstrips. Boarding bridge and car park expansions are also expected.

Porto Alegre and Fortaleza

Germany-based Fraport, which will take care of airports in Porto Alegre and Fortaleza, currently runs six airports in Europe, including Frankfurt airport, regarded one of the world's most advanced—in addition to terminals in Hannover, Germany, two in Bulgaria, one in Russia, and one in Slovenia. With reported turnovers of more than 150 million passengers last year, Fraport also operates three airports in Asia and one in Latin America (Peru).

Fraport Chief Executive Stefan Shulte said his company is committed to developing the two Brazilian airports to benefit the country. “We will soon roll out improved processes and services as well as appealing food and beverage choice,” Shulte said in a statement on the company's website.

Porto Alegre airport was auctioned for $93.4 million at a premium of 852.12%, and Fortaleza airport, for $133.7 million, at 18.5% premium.

Salvador and Florianópolis

Salvador International Airport will be managed by Vinci Airports, a French airport operator that runs 35 airports in six countries (Japan, Portugal, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Chile, and France). Last year, terminals served more than 132 million passengers. Salvador airport was sold for $202.6 million, at 113% premium.

The winning bidder for Florianopolis International Airport was Swiss operator Zurich International Airport, which runs Zurich airport in Switzerland, used by 25 million passengers every year. The Brazilian airport was auctioned for $26.8 million, at 58% premium.

Translated by Mayra Borges