Public and private sectors advocate union to advance airport infrastructure

Debate promoted by Fórum Sul Export highlighted the importance of joint coordination to overcome bottlenecks, especially in view of recent climate challenges in the South

Authorities and representatives from the public and private sectors were unanimous in saying that the advancement of infrastructure in the Southern region depends on joint investments. Moderated by Núria Bianco, Market Intelligence Director at Grupo Brasil Export, the debate on the last day of the Sul Export Forum, held this Tuesday (29), highlighted the importance of joint coordination between the two spheres to overcome bottlenecks and strengthen the regional air network, especially in light of recent climate challenges.

The National Secretary of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, highlighted the importance of cooperation in his speech during the panel, with the theme “Regulation, public policies and investments for the development of airport infrastructure in the South region”.

“I took office in the midst of an extremely difficult crisis, but I was surprised by the capacity for unity between public and private sectors,” he said, referring to the emergency response to the climate tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul.

The situation in the state was also mentioned by the Secretary of Ports, Airports and Railways of Santa Catarina, Beto Martins, who expressed solidarity with the people of Rio Grande do Sul and defended regional integration. “Santa Catarina understands Rio Grande do Sul because it has also experienced climate accidents. I have been fighting for the airports in the South region to act together. Just like our ports, which share common agendas and suffer from the lack of highways and railways. This is the infrastructure that will allow real development,” he stated.

Motiva Aeroportos CEO Waldo Pérez presented data on investments made in the region’s airports. The company recently completed Phase 1B of improvements to 20 terminals it manages, 9 of which are in the South. “R$1.5 billion was invested in this phase, of which R$900 million was invested in the South Block. In Rio Grande do Sul alone, R$200 million was invested in modernizations at the Bagé, Pelotas and Uruguaiana airports,” he explained. Waldo also highlighted the company’s role in the emergency network during the floods: “Uruguaiana and Pelotas were part of the network responding to the crisis, and we led collection points for donations.”

In turn, the CEO of Aeroportos do Brasil, Fábio Rogério Carvalho, highlighted the need to attract new airlines to the country. “Brazil is the second largest airline in the world in terms of number of airports, behind only the United States. Our infrastructure is compatible with the size of the country, but the challenge lies in how to attract more companies to fly here. Competition improves service and reduces prices. It is incompatible with the size of Brazil that we fly so little,” he concluded.

Secretary Tomé Franca highlighted the importance of cooperation in his speech during the panel, with the theme “Regulation, public policies and investments for the development of airport infrastructure in the South region”. Photo: Neitor Corrêa