Flughafen Zürich AG awarded a concession to operate and expand Hercílio Luz International Airport in Brazil

With 3.6 million passengers and revenue of CHF 26 million in 2016, Hercílio Luz airport has been the most resilient airport throughout the Brazilian economic downturn of the 4 airports privatized. The airport serves a local population of 1.1 million inhabitants within its catchment area and is located on the island of Santa Catarina, a famous holiday destination for both domestic and international travelers within Brazil. The airport achieved an average 9.7% passenger growth per year in the 6 years before the recession.

Flughafen Zürich AG first entered Brazil 4 years ago through the acquisition of a 25% participation in the privatization of Belo Horizonte airport with 10 million passengers. Flughafen Zürich AG is now pleased to be adding Florianópolis to its Brazilian airport portfolio in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets with strong long-term fundamental growth prospects.

Following the signing of the concession agreement, which is expected in July 2017, Flughafen Zürich AG will own 100% of the airport and operate it under a concession until 2047. Flughafen Zürich AG will expand and improve the airport’s infrastructure to achieve its maximum growth potential by utilizing the best practices developed in Switzerland while preserving the local Brazilian values. Flughafen Zurich’s mission will be to offer best quality services to passengers, airlines and other stakeholders.

International activities
Currently, Flughafen Zürich AG is engaged in five airports worldwide. In addition to the airport in Belo Horizonte, the airport operator is actively involved in another five airports in Latin America, namely Bogotá, Curaçao and two airports in Chile.