Brazil announces regional airport infrastructure investment plans

Brazil's Government announced (20-Dec-2012) plans to strengthen and expand regional aviation through a BRL7.3 billion (USD3.5 billion) infrastructure investment plan, with the goal of having 96% of the population living within 100km of an airport. The funds are a "first stage" investment in the plan, and will cover 270 regional airports. Funds will be dispersed as follows:

• BRL1.7 billion (USD820 million) to 67 airports in the north;
• BRL2.1 billion (USD1 billion) to 64 airports in the northeast;
• BRL924 million (USD446 million) to 31 airports in the midwest;
• BRL1.6 billion (USD772 million) to 65 airports in the southeast;
• BRL994 million (USD479.5 million) to 43 airports in the south;

The investments will promote the improvement, modernisation and expansion of airport infrastructure. Projects to receive funding include runway renovation and expansion, apron extensions, terminal building improvements, revitalisation of roads and signage, "among other" improvements. Projects will be evaluated based on their impact to passenger and cargo volume, level of accessibility to the Amazon, tourism potential and the potential to promote "national integration". The plans are part of the Government's 'Investment Program in Logistics: Airports' scheme, while no specific dates or projects were given. [more - original PR - ANAC - Portuguese] [more - original PR - Infraero - Porutguese]