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The federal government announces an ambitious airport expansion, with the restructuring of 130 regional airports to boost the economy and tourism in inaccessible locations.
Behind the scenes at the federal government, bold plans are underway to transform Brazil's airport infrastructure.
In an unprecedented initiative, the arches is to restructure and expand the number of airports across the country, especially in regions with less access, with the aim of bringing inland communities closer to large urban centers.
This vision includes improvements in infrastructure, economic development and the promotion of more integrated tourism.
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However, what lies behind this ambitious plan are the impacts and challenges of implementing what could be the biggest revolution in the Brazilian aviation sector.
Government bets on regional connection and local development
According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the plan is a long-range strategy that aims to integrate 130 airports into the national system.
According to him, this measure will not only reduce distances, but will also open doors for economic development in little-explored regional areas.
This large-scale project was planned on three strategic development fronts and promises results in different sectors, such as health, tourism and the economy.
The first expansion front begins with the renovation of existing airports managed by private concessionaires.
Around 30 smaller airports, which are part of concession blocks together with large terminals, such as Congonhas (SP) and Manaus (AM), will undergo improvements.
The responsible concessionaires will have until December of this year to complete the first batch of these renovations, starting the largest regional aviation program in the country.
Infraero takes over terminals in smaller cities
In addition to private airports, the federal government is expanding the participation of Infraero, which will manage some terminals that were previously under state and municipal administration.
This move comes after a period in which the state-owned company operated only Santos Dumont (RJ). According to Costa Filho, this decision is due to a search for greater efficiency and safety in the development of these terminals, especially in smaller and tourist cities.
Among the 20 airports that will be modernized by Infraero, the international airport of Olímpia (SP) stands out, which should boost tourism in the region.
The minister states that the federal government made this decision after noting that, for some cities, direct federal management could result in greater dynamism and security for local operations.
This phase of the project strengthens the state's presence in locations that have potential for tourism and economic growth, but still face connectivity difficulties.
Innovative model for regional airport management
The third and most innovative phase of the project is centered on the concession of Guarulhos airport (SP), one of the largest in the country.
As announced by the government, the concessionaire that currently manages the airport will have its concession extended in exchange for the responsibility of managing other smaller regional airports.
This model, which is still awaiting approval from the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), could become a reference for future concessions in Brazil.
If the model is approved, approximately 80 regional airports will be integrated into the concessionaires' contracts, allowing for a broader interconnection between regional terminals and large cities.
“This system aims to strengthen regional aviation in several regions of Brazil, promoting the integration of small cities into the national and international market”, explained Costa Filho in an interview with CNN.
According to the minister, this partnership aims to make air transport more accessible, faster and safer for millions of Brazilians.
Impacts on tourism, health and regional economy
According to the government, the restructuring of the airport system will bring direct benefits to essential sectors.
Regional tourism, for example, is expected to experience substantial growth with increased connectivity between locations that were previously inaccessible or had low flight availability.
This boost in domestic tourism should strengthen local economies, generating jobs and boosting the services sector.
In addition to tourism, the health sector will also benefit from the project. Remote regions lacking medical infrastructure will have faster access to health centers in capital cities, allowing for rapid transportation of patients and medical supplies.
The local economy could also benefit, as areas with logistical difficulties could see improved transportation of goods and services.
Challenges and expectations for the coming years
Although the project has a visionary scope, there are challenges to be faced, such as bureaucratic issues, high financial investments and meeting deadlines.
Another crucial factor will be the acceptance of the mixed concession model, which depends on the approval of the TCU and the adhesion of the concessionaires.
Still, the federal government is betting that, in the next five years, the country will witness a new chapter in regional aviation, with the consolidation of a broader and more accessible air transport system.
Given the magnitude and ambition of this project, the public can only await the next steps and follow the execution of what promises to be the largest investment in regional aviation in the history of Brazil.
And you, do you believe that this transformation will finally bring the promised benefits to Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments!
