Brazil's state-owned airports company, Infraero, is looking for foreign investors prepared to back a massive modernisation programme for the country's airport network.
The programme, valued at $2.9 billion over the next three years, covers five major new airport developments at Fortaleza, in the north east of Brazil; Porto Alegre, in the south; Rio Branco, in the Amazon region; Sao Luis; and Salvador. Expansion of 30 other airports is also planned.
Infraero plans to invest in projects such as multi-modal transport systems, automation and upgrades in airport procedures.
A $50 million expansion is already close to completion at Fortaleza, while a new $105 million passenger terminal at Porto Alegre is due to be operational within three years. A $56 million terminal expansion is also being planned at Brasilia, while Rio de Janeiro is getting new passenger and cargo terminals and, finally, a $300 million third passenger-terminal is being built at Sao Paulo/Garulhos.
In 1996, Infraero managed to attract some $41 million in private investments from businesses such as hotels, which would benefit from an improved airport infrastructure. The company has set a target of $120 million this year, rising to $160 million by 2000. Further funds will come from the national and local governments.
The company, which manages 67 airports - as well as Brazil's air-navigation infrastructure - and posted record 1996 sales of nearly $1.3 billion, is itself a potential candidate for privatisation.
Source: Flight International
