Author: abermeo

• It also received an award for Best Airport Staff in South America.
• Additionally, it ranks among the 52 best airports in the world.
• It maintains its 4-star qualification due to the high quality standards offered to users and passengers.

Quito, March 14, 2017 – The Mariscal Sucre International Airport obtained three important recognitions from Skytrax during the 2017 awards ceremony held in Amsterdam on March 14 during the Passenger Terminal Expo 2017.

The Quito Airport won in the categories of Best Regional Airport in South America (for a second consecutive year) and Best Airport Staff in South America in the 2017 World Airport Awards and maintained a four-star qualification (in a scale of five) with respect to the quality of airport services.

Skytrax is a worldwide benchmark of excellence in the air transportation industry and is the best tool for a comparative assessment of airport activities because it establishes measurement standards according to a unified criterion.

Specifically, the Best Airport Staff in South America award is a recognition that makes all the airport community in this city proud because it was bestowed to the Quito airport thanks to the service provided by all persons and entities that take care of passengers while at the terminal, including security personnel, airlines, stores, authorities such as Migration and Customs, food and beverages locations, and suppliers, among others.

“I wish to take this opportunity to highlight the work performed by the 7,500 employees and 120 entities that provide their services at the Airport” said Andrew O’Brian, Quiport President and CEO.

This year the awards are based on 13.82 million surveys completed by passengers belonging to 105 different nationalities. The surveys took place from July 2016 until February 2017 and covers 555 airports throughout the world; assessing the experiences of travelers by means of certain key indicators about airport services and products – from check-in, arrival, purchases, security, migration, until leaving the airport. Skytrax’s World Airport Awards are a worldwide benchmark of airport excellence.

The Best Regional Airport category includes airports mainly serving the local and regional market and, in a lesser measure, an intercontinental market, such as the Mariscal Sucre Airport.

In addition, Quito´s airport is positioned in place 52th in the world ranking of airports published by the organization; having advanced 10 places compared to 2016. It is second among all airports in South America and fourth in the category of airports with traffic between 5 and 10 million passengers a year.

Wyndham Quito Airport among the winners

Another good news for Quito and its airport was the second place awarded to the Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel in the category of Best Airport Hotel in South America. The hotel perfectly complements the services offered by the Airport to its passengers as well as to airlines’ crews.

We maintain our four stars

In order to maintain the Quito Airport’s four-star qualification, Skytrak conducted an audit last December where several actions undertaken by the Airport administration were positively assessed including signage, space optimization, facilities provided to transport operators between the Airport and the city, landscaping, and the Airport’s sense of place.

“Having reached this qualification ratifies the outstanding levels obtained by airport services in Quito and commits us not only to maintain the quality of our services but also to look for opportunities to improve it”, Quiport’s CEO said.

The same as last year, the Quito Airport together with El Dorado Airport of Bogota, are the only airports in the Latin American and Caribbean region that have obtained a four-star qualification. This designation ranks us in the same level of airports such as London Heathrow in the United Kingdom, San Francisco in the U.S., Paris Charles de Gaulle in France, Tokio Narita in Japan, Amsterdam Schipol in The Netherlands, Frankfurt in Germany, among others.

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About Corporación Quiport S.A.

Corporación Quiport (Quiport) is the company in charge of the construction, administration, operation and maintenance of the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador.

Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR of Brazil, Odinsa S.A. of Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) of the USA.

• More than 800 people participated.
• Quiport has been working in coordination with parishes near the airport in training and employment projects mainly.

December 10, 2016. On Saturday, December, 10, the communities surrounding the Mariscal Sucre Airport participated with Corporacion Quiport in a Christmas celebration organized for purposes of thanking the communities for their excellent acceptance to the Airport and for allowing us to share with them our efforts to accomplish the wellbeing and development of the population.

Nearly 800 persons attended Quiport’s invitation. However, children from Tababela, Pifo Puembo, Yaruqui, Checa and el Quinche – the six parishes near the Airport – were the principal guests of honor who enjoyed a day of games, music and lots of fun.

The community works hand-in-hand with Quiport

Angel Vega, chairman of the Pifo Autonomous Decentralized Government (“GAD”), expressed his deep appreciation for the magnificent and altruistic work performed at La Cocha and El Tablon and for having made possible for the children from the periphery of our jurisdiction to visit the Airport and to receive friendly treatment of Quiport officials.

In the meantime, Gina Rosero, chairperson of Puembo’s GAD, mentioned her “sincere gratitude to our neighbor Quiport for the enjoyable times with its President and its working team. This is the moment to plan an agenda of social, cultural and economic activities involving the citizens living in the Airport area so we may continue building a sustainable and supportable territory.”

The Airport has provided opportunities for developing and improving the quality of life of the peoples living in the six neighboring parishes. The Airport and the companies operating in it directly employ approximately 7,500 persons, about 30% of whom are residents in those parishes. Besides, those populations have benefitted from the new road network built to serve the Airport as well as from entrepreneurial opportunities in service activities (lodging, transportation and food mainly) that have proliferated in the area.

From the beginning of its presence in the area, Quiport has permanently worked with the communities and their leaders to identify areas of mutual cooperation. Thus, efforts have been concentrated on two main areas: work opportunities, and education and training.

All this work is reflected on a great relationship with the community as evidenced in its ample participation in the festivities.

On Corporacion Quiport S.A.

Corporacion Quiport is in charge of the integral management of the Mariscal Sucre International Airport of Quito, Ecuador, located at Tababela, 24 kilometers from the country’s capital.

Quiport comprises important companies with vast experience in airport concessions and operation: CCR of Brazil, Odinsa S.A. of Colombia, and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) of the United States.

• This airline is one of the major cargo operators in the world.
• The purpose of the flight is to check its operation before commencing regular services in early 2017.

Quito, December 14, 2016: For the first time, Qatar Cargo arrived this morning at 11:15 at the Quito International Airport from Sao Paulo, Brazil, in a charter flight with the objective of checking the airline’s operation before commencing regular services in late January 2017 when the Valentine flower export season begins.

The Quito airport expanded its cargo platform at the beginning of this year to allocate the growing number of large cargo aircraft (E and F categories). The platform can receive up to six aircraft at the same time. Besides, the cargo platform has new LED lighting, much more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, highlighted the importance of this flight. “Qatar Cargo’s operations will allow to expand the traditional markets for Ecuadorian flower exports and to explore new business opportunities in that sector”, he said.

“Not only is the Quito airport the main entrance for visitors in Ecuador but, it is also the main point of export of Ecuadorian flowers to the world. This is a significant contribution towards productive development. We are located just a few kilometers from the major flower production centers in the central and northern highlands and we have all the infrastructure and logistic capacity for a highly efficient operation that guarantees the arrival of the product to its destination in the best possible conditions.”, Mr. O’Brian stated. He who also thanked Qatar Cargo for its confidence in Corporación Quiport as concessionaire of the Quito International Airport.

Qatar Cargo is the cargo division of Qatar Airways, one of the main and largest airlines in the world with headquarters at the Doha International Airport.

The flight operates with a Boeing 777-200F airplane and will fly from Quito to Curacao in the Caribbean before returning to Qatar.

About Corporación Quiport

Corporación Quiport (Quiport) is the company in charge of the construction, administration, operation and maintenance of the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR from Brazil, Odinsa S.A. from Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) from the USA.

• The low-cost airline will operate Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft with a maximum capacity of 130 passengers.
• Connectivity from Quito has increased since the opening of the new Mariscal Sucre Airport in February 2013.

Quito, December 3, 2016. A new milestone in connectivity was reached early on 3 December with the inaugural flight of low-cost airline Wingo on the Quito – Bogota route. There was a celebratory atmosphere at Mariscal Sucre Airport before the first passengers boarded the new flight, which will join both capital cities with four weekly flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Quito becomes one of 16 cities in 10 countries in which the airline operates.

As is customary at Quito Airport, Corporación Quiport celebrated this occasion with the passengers and executives of Wingo, declaring the inauguration of the new flight and offering the passengers a light dinner before boarding.

The new Mariscal Sucre International Airport was inaugurated on February 20, 2013 and in just three years and nine months of operation it has strengthened the connectivity of Quito, attracting new airlines and expanding its network of destinations and availability of seats for travel. These efforts, together with the excellent quality of its services, and safe and efficient operations, have placed it among the leaders of the region.

In a statement by the airline, Catalina Bretón, General Manager of Wingo, indicates “our low prices and extensive network of routes are the perfect combination for all those wanting a happy, fresh and budget travel experience. We will focus our efforts on maintaining excellent prices, ensuring that our flights comply with the established itineraries and that our travelers have a great experience they will want to share, recommend and repeat”.

Additionally, Catalina Bretón states that Ecuador is an attractive market which can help it gain a stronger position on the international stage. She believes that it is a strategic destination due to its tourism development which has led it to become one of the principal options for tourists on a global scale. Bretón mentions that there is a significant volume of business people, traders and entrepreneurs who will value the opportunity to expand their businesses or attend business meetings without having to buy an expensive airfare.

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, the company that operates Mariscal Sucre Airport, is very pleased by the start of Wingo´s operations in Quito. “The arrival of Wingo in Quito is great news for the connectivity of Ecuadorian passengers who will be able to find a great variety of connections to new destinations, and it will also bring more possibilities for the growth of tourism in this city”, he explains.

“We are thankful for Wingo´s trust in our airport and this destination. The city has many attractions to offer visitors from Latin America and I am sure that the airline´s operating model will positively stimulate the market on the Quito – Bogota route, allowing more people to access air transport”, Mr. O´Brian concludes.

About Corporación Quiport

Corporación Quiport is the company in charge of the administration, operation and maintenance of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR from Brazil, Odinsa S.A. from Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) from the USA.

• This number has been reached in three years and nine months since the airport opened in February 2013.
• The 20 millionth passenger is Ecuadorian and was returning to Quito after a trip through South America.

Quito, November 23, 2016. The number of passengers who have traveled through Mariscal Sucre Airport has already reached 20 million since the start of operations on February 20, 2013. This afternoon, our 20 millionth passenger arrived on TAME flight EQ 312 from Guayaquil. The passenger was María Fernanda Lucano, who lives in Quito and arrived after a trip through South America.

Upon her arrival she was met with a celebratory atmosphere and was the VIP guest at the party organized in her honor, where Corporación Quiport gifted her a membership to access the airport’s VIP lounges and use the fast track service.

Carlos Criado, Commercial Director of Quiport, congratulated the lucky passenger and also gave her a certificate to mark this special occasion.

María Fernanda Lucano was surprised at being the 20 millionth passenger. “I am pleased to see how Quito Airport continues to grow and improve”, she said while thanking Quiport for always thinking of the comfort of passengers and users.

For Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Quiport, it is a source of pride to have reached 20 million passengers at Mariscal Sucre Airport, and is thanks to the evident improvement in connectivity offered by the airport since it started to operate in the parish of Tababela.

We always have the chance to improve. “The environment at an airport is dynamic, it is always changing and requires our daily attention and we are constantly asking ourselves what we can do better”, he explained.

About Corporación Quiport S.A.

Corporación Quiport is the company in charge of the comprehensive management of Mariscal Sucre International Airport of Quito, Ecuador, located in Tababela, 24 km from the capital city.

Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR of Brazil, Odinsa S.A. of Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) of the USA.

• As of March 26, the airline will fly six days a week from Quito to Europe.
• This is a new sign of confidence in Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
• The route will be operated with a larger aircraft equipped with more comfortable cabins.

Quito, November 23, 2016. As of March 26, 2017, Iberia, Spain’s flagship airline, will fly non-stop between Quito and Madrid six times a week, noticeably improving the connectivity between the capital cities of these two countries.

In a communication sent on November 23, the Spanish airline stated that it will operate six non-stop flights a week, every day except Wednesdays, making it the only company to offer non-stop flights between Quito and Europe in both directions. In future, Iberia will analyze the option of increasing its service to seven flights per week.

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, stated “we are very happy since this announcement is very significant for tourism and business travel in the city of Quito. Iberia’s decision is a great vote of confidence for Quito Airport, which stands out in the region not only for its infrastructure, but for the quality of its services”.

Quito increases its connectivity

Corporación Quiport has always shown its willingness for airlines such as Iberia to increase their offer and, this way, improve connections with Quito. “The conditions of the airport and the importance of Quito as a destination in the region have been decisive factors in this important decision by Iberia”, said Andrew O’Brian.

On October 28, 2013, Iberia started its non-stop flights to Madrid from Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito with three flights per week, and three years later it has announced that it will double the number of flights.

“This new scheduling will considerably reduce the flight time and improves connections via Madrid to almost 100 destinations in Iberia’s network in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East”, according to a statement from the airline.

More capacity and comfort

The airline will operate the flights using its largest aircraft, the Airbus A340/600, with capacity for 346 passengers: 46 in Business and 300 in Economy. Iberia emphasized that it will offer almost 220,000 seats per year on the route, which involves a 22% increase in its offer in total and a 28% increase in the Business segment.

These aircraft are also equipped with Iberia’s new Business and Economy class cabins which offer greater comfort to passengers, a varied entertainment menu and in-flight WiFi.

About Corporación Quiport S.A.

Corporación Quiport is the company in charge of the administration, operation and maintenance of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR from Brazil, Odinsa S.A. from Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) from the USA.

Quito International Airport played an important role in the success of Habitat III, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development. The agility with which passengers were attended to, added to the friendliness and efficiency of all the persons, companies and institutions that provide services at the airport, were key factors in projecting an excellent image of the country to the thousands of visitors who arrived in Quito.

This is shown by the numerous positive comments received from authorities, special visitors and participants of the conference, who highlighted the comfort of the airport facilities and excellent service.

In order to rise to the challenge posed by Habitat III, Corporación Quiport carried out a series of improvements and special coordination to ensure that Mariscal Sucre International Airport was completely prepared, in this way contributing to the improved image of the city during this significant event for Quito, which showed itself at its best to the world.

Thanks to the opening of the new domestic terminal in May 2015, we were able to optimize and adapt spaces to ensure more spaciousness and comfort at the international terminal.

We have made the following changes to the freed spaces:

• Additional areas in the Immigration Hall at Arrivals, Baggage Claim and Customs.
• Anti-Narcotics Control Room.
• Re-location of the Arrivals Duty Free Shop.
• New A8 Departure Lounge accommodating 150 passengers.
• New Protocol Room.
• New room for non-admitted passengers.

Furthermore, we have worked to install a fifth baggage carousel to improve efficiency in the delivery of baggage and at Customs. We are replacing the internal lighting of the terminal and the aprons with LED lights which will significantly reduce energy consumption, having a positive impact on the reduction of the airport´s Carbon Footprint.

“We have worked not only on optimizing spaces and services, but also on landscaping. At the exit of the airport´s passenger terminal, we have installed a linear water fountain with night lighting. Behind this fountain is a garden mounted on three levels, in the style of terraces, which display various species of ornamental plants” states Andrew O´Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of the city´s airport service.

Precise Coordination

In addition to infrastructure and services, coordination to maintain the safety and efficiency of operations is very important. Thanks to joint efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and Empresa Pública Metropolitana de Servicios Aeroportuarios, an organized operation was executed in order to handle Habitat participants without affecting the airport´s regular passengers.

“On this occasion we received 11 heads of state from various parts of the world, as well as the highest authorities of bodies of the United Nations system, headed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. But our team is very professional and experienced; remember that we have carried out special operations for the visit of Pope Francis and a Summit of Presidents of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)”, explains Andrew O’Brian.

All these experiences have allowed Mariscal Sucre Airport to continue positioning itself as one of the principal airports in the region, placing Quito in a confident position regarding the excellence of its airport service.

• The appointment took place in the setting of the organization´s 25th Assembly.
• This is a new show of confidence in the regional leadership of Corporación Quiport.
• ACI-LAC represents 260 airports from 37 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Quito, November 9, 2016. This afternoon, the General Assembly of Airports Council International Latin America-Caribbean (ACI-LAC) appointed its new officers for a term of two years. Corporación Quiport, in the person of its President and CEO, Mr. Andrew O’Brian, was elected First Vice President of the organization, which represents airports in the region.

The appointment was made in the setting of the 25th ACI-LAC Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition held in Brasilia. This appointment ratifies the leadership of Quito and its airport in the regional airport context, given that the organization represents the interests of more than 260 airports in 37 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

After the announcement of the new Board of Directors, Andrew O’Brian spoke of the importance of this appointment for airport activity in Quito and Ecuador. “For several years, Quiport has actively worked in ACI-LAC and its diverse committees. The fact that we have constructed and operated one of the top airports in the region allows us to be one of the leaders of the industry. Our participation in the organization that represents airports also gives us the opportunity to share and benefit from the best practices of the various stakeholders of the airport industry and to use these experiences to benefit the service that we provide to our passengers and users”.

Martín Eurnekian, President of Inframerica, the concessionaire of Brasilia and Natal airports in Brazil, was elected President.

The ACI-LAC Assembly, Conference and Exhibition convened 300 delegates of the members of the organization and industry leaders for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the organization.

The event was also an ideal platform to foster relationships with leaders and decision makers from airport operators, government and service providers among other industry stakeholders.

Airports Council International was established in 1991 by airport operators around the world. Its mission is to advance the collective interests of the air transport industry and to promote cooperation among its members. Through ACI-LAC, the regional airport community speaks with one voice.

About Corporación Quiport S.A.

Corporación Quiport is the company in charge of the administration, operation and maintenance of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR from Brazil, Odinsa S.A. from Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) from the USA.

• Quirport received the Progressive Inclusive Seal from the Municipality’s Office for Inclusion.
• The recognition is part of the “Quito, Inclusive City” Project which aims to transform the capital into a fair and diverse capital free from discrimination.

The Municipality of Quito’s Office for Social Inclusion awarded the Progressive Inclusive Seal to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for having taken the necessary steps to provide accessibility to disabled persons with quality and efficiency. The Progressive Inclusive Seal is an incentive given to public and private entities for the implementation of inclusive management systems as part of social responsibility policies, and was given to Corporación Quiport as the concessionaire and party in charge of managing the airport, on behalf of all the institutions and persons that provide services at the airport.

Corporación Quiport is responsible for providing the best service to all passengers and users of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, without any type of discrimination. To this end, since the beginning of the project it established easy access for all as a fundamental condition for the design and construction of the airport.

At the ceremony for this recognition held on Monday, October 03, the Municipality’s Secretary of Social Inclusion, César Mantilla, explained that since January the Municipal Council has been encouraging the “Quito, Inclusive City” Project, which aims to progressively transform Quito into a fair and diverse city free from discrimination.

Users recommended awarding the seal to the Airport

Mantilla said that it was decided to give the Inclusive Seal to the airport thanks to the actions of a disabled rights activist who during a visit to the airport as a user was able to verify the facilities provided at the terminal and the willingness and collaboration of the airport staff towards disabled persons. “This is what is valuable, that the recognition does not stem from a request but rather that we have come to the airport to recognize all it has done”, said César Mantilla.

For his part, the Secretary for Productive Development and Competitiveness, Álvaro Maldonado, congratulated the airport for its efforts towards inclusion. “This commits us further to our city, it commits us further to the beneficiaries and passengers who one way or another will feel that this also applies to their families and the needs they may have as regards inclusion. We are really very happy with all the work that we have carried out together with the concessionaire (Quiport)”.

“For those who make up Mariscal Sucre Airport, we are proud to receive the Progressive Inclusive Seal which commits us to identifying opportunities for improvement in this regard” said Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, after receiving the recognition.

He also stated that this award is for the entire airport city, since infrastructure is one part and the other part is contributed by all the entities and more than 7,000 persons who provide services at the airport.

Andrew O’Brian congratulated the Municipality for encouraging the “Quito, Inclusive City” Project and said that with this initiative “Quito is placed at the forefront of this global trend that seeks to make cities places in which diversity, equality and lack of discrimination are the main principles of urban management”.

Characteristics of Accessibility

The infrastructure of Quito Airport offers the following facilities:

• Separate parking spaces,
• Access ramps to the terminal,
• Wide elevators and escalators,
• Bathroom signage in Braille,
• Specific bathrooms and drinking fountains for those with special needs,
• Special seats in departure lounges,
• No obstacles such as uneven surfaces or stairs on each floor of the terminal.

• The shop has relocated to an area just after the immigration counters and incorporates a walkthrough concept.
• The relocation is part of a project to improve the passenger terminal.

Quito, 14 March 2016. As of this Monday morning, the Attenza Duty Free Shop in the international arrivals section of Mariscal Sucre Airport has a new, much more modern and accessible look as well as a new location for the comfort of passengers arriving to the country at the capital’s airport terminal.

The remodelling of the shop, now measuring 250m2, and its relocation to an area just after the immigration counters, includes a walkthrough concept allowing passengers arriving at Quito to enjoy premium brands, excellent prices and a wide selection of products offered by Attenza Duty Free.

“The relocation of the Attenza Shop is part of a project to improve the international arrivals area and seeks to provide a better experience for our passengers, providing more space prior to immigration clearance, a Duty Free shop with a modern concept and improved use of the baggage collection and customs areas”, explains Carlos Criado, Director of Business Development, Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of Quito International Airport.

According to Aurelio Barría, Vice President of Motta Internacional, operator of Attenza, the current and future trend across the globe is the democratization of air transport. “Now travel is not just limited to persons with high purchasing power. Today passengers include students, middle class tourists and even people migrating in search of better opportunities. This obliges airports to diversify their offering of services in regards to brands, quality, price and customer service culture. This is why the step taken at Quito Airport is important”.

For Corporación Quiport, Attenza is one of its most important partners. “It is a Duty Free operator with a lot of prestige in Latin America and broad experience which allows it to identify new opportunities to expand its commercial offering and provide an improved selection of products to the passengers at Mariscal Sucre Airport, with very competitive prices for the region”, states Carlos Criado.

Aurelio Barría notes that Attenza offers special services for the greater comfort of passengers, such as pre-ordering and online shopping. “With pre-ordering, passengers can purchase their products at the international departures shop and collect them from the arrivals shop on their return. Whereas with online shopping, passengers can reserve items online at the attenza.net website and receive their goods before flying”, he explains.

Attenza offers perfumes, cosmetics and skincare, liquors, watches, jewellery, leather goods, sunglasses, bags, chocolates, electronic goods, clothes and toys, as well as providing employment to more than 150 people in the country.