USD19bn required to keep up with passenger demand in Brazil

Brazil's 20 main airports will require investment of up to BRL34 billion (USD19 billion) to meet the country's passenger traffic demand up to 2030, according to a report by McKinsey (Business News Americas, 15-Jun-2010). According to McKinsey, Viracopos International Airport, Sao Paulo state, alone will require BRL4-6 billion (USD2.2-3.4 billion) to handle passenger traffic demand, with the consultancy firm adding that Congonhas Airport has already reached capacity. McKinsey stated that the two airports in the "best conditions" were Rio de Janeiro state's Galeao Airport and Parana state's Curitiba Airport. At present, 55 airports provide regular flights in Brazil, with this expected to double to more than 100 by 2030, according to McKinsey.