Page 22 - Special Issue Asutil Conference 2025

INSIDER

currently designing the tender process and
evaluating the most effective strategy and
whether we proceed airport by airport or
as a full block or in partial blocks,” notes
Sánchez.
“In February this year, we announced
the advertising tender for our airport
network, worth more than one billion
Reais – effectively it is the biggest tender
in Brazilian history. We are seeking
innovative technologies that deliver a
great visual impact, but at the same time
minimizing visual pollution.
“The tender was divided into two parts
- technical and financial. These tenders
open space for unprecedented solutions in
Rendering of the expansion of Congonhas that will more than double the space in the current Brazil, connecting brands and consumers in
45,000 sqm terminal. a more dynamic, fluid, and impactful way.
We hope to strengthen our relationship with
the market and generate value for airport
before. The store now measures 600 sqm with 1,200 sqm of commercial offers for users, advertisers and all brands who
and will serve our passengers well until the the passengers, says Sánchez. participate.”
new terminal extension is completed. “By 2028, our goal is to expand the The tender was designed so that one
“In 2025, we launched a new VIP commercial retail space at Congonhas company could take all 17 airports or only
Lounge, with at least two additional Airport from the current 9,000 sqm to 6 in North-East and another company could
lounges set to open soon. By the end of approximately 22,000 sqm. In parallel, we take the block of 11.
the year, we will have 28 new stores fully will also be increasing commercial areas “We are convinced that this model
operational. Food and beverage will play a across the other airports within the Block works well, and we are now in the process
central role in these developments, offering of 11.” of deciding whether we have a similar style
a diverse range of options, including a This expansion is part of a broader of tender for duty-paid retail.”
Kopenhagen chocolate store, perfect for strategy to enhance the traveler experience Sánchez confirms that Aena Brasil will
travelers looking for gifts. throughout its airports, driving both be looking for proposals from companies
“Within the next month, we will also increased revenue and delivering a more participating in the tender, including
unveil a new 1,000 sqm marketplace, welcoming, and convenient environment international players
featuring a last-minute duty-paid shop and for passengers. “We envision a diversified retail mix,
a Vista Corona bar enhancing the overall anchored by a large, innovative duty-paid
passenger experience.” Congonhas expansion underway store, complemented by smaller, brand-
Aena has also improved the arrival Congonhas’ current 45,000 sqm specific stores, outlets. The strategy will
experience at Congonhas by establishing terminal is to be expanded to just over emphasize clear pricing, strong brand
strong commercial agreements with other 100,000 sqm by June of 2028, offering communication strategy, and seamless
service providers. additional opportunities for enhanced customer experience.
“We have successfully organized the passenger services. “Our main goal is to bring more
app-based taxi pick-up process. Until mid- “We will have 19 new fingers, value to Congonhas Airport users, who
2024, passengers struggled to find their taxi increasing the share of passengers boarding are typically frequent travelers with high
due to extremely chaotic traffic. Today, the through them from the current 55% to disposable income,” he says.
curb side has been reorganized into clearly around 80%, significantly reducing remote The final part of the terminal
marked sectors, making it much easier boarding. Remote operations will be development will be a major
for passengers to find their drivers. This relocated to a repurposed heritage hangar, redevelopment of the executive aviation
improvement was made possible through which will include newly developed hangars. The hangars are currently operated
the creation of a dedicated parking zone for commercial areas and 10 additional independently but by 2032, Aena plans
app-based taxis, and a designated pick-up boarding gates. The new terminal will to have a dedicated passenger terminal
area. The project not only enhances the allow us to grow from the current 23 offering a range of improved services for
passenger experience but also generates million passengers to just over 30 million.” executive aviation users.
revenue through pick-up fees and has Sánchez says that one area now Sánchez looks ahead with confidence
resulted in an estimated 50% reduction reaching completion is the pick-up area for to an ambitious future for Aena Brasil,
in vehicle traffic on the airport’s access Ubers and other car services – where there and he concludes “It is great to reflect on
roads.” will be 1,200 sqm of commercial space what we have accomplished in the past 20
Aena is continuing to re-design with 600 sqm for food and beverage. months since taking over the block of 11
the arrival experience at Congonhas by “More is planned for 2028 when airports, but we are truly confident there are
creating a whole new pick-up area filled the terminal extension is ready. We are even greater things that lie ahead.”

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