Brazil's Sao Paulo Guarulhos is pointing to a smooth introduction of it new Terminal 3 as it continues to look at ways to improve capacity at the airport.
Terminal 3 opened in May, increasing the airport’s capacity by 12 million to 42 million passengers annually. Guarulhos handled nearly 36 million passengers in 2013.
The new terminal is 70% operational with its last and largest tenant TAM Airlines scheduled to move in by the end of September, says Marques. “[Terminal 3] is operating very well,” he says. “The response of the public is very nice.”
Brazilian aviation regulator ANAC also increased the maximum aircraft movements to 51 per hour during peak times in August, says Marques. While the change has yet to have a measurable impact on passenger numbers, it has helped reduce congestion, he says.
Guarulhos faces increased competition for international flights. Nearby Viracopos-Campinas International airport will receive its first nonstops to Panama and USA later this year when American Airlines, Azul and Copa Airlines all begin new service.
American Airlines will fly to Miami and New York JFK, Azul to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and Copa Airlines to Panama City from December. Azul plans to add New York JFK service early in 2015 as well.
At the same time, American will reduce service to Sao Paulo Guarulhos from both Miami and New York JFK.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
