Author: abermeo

• The first steps are taken in Quito towards an international airport operation that is environmentally friendly.

In pursuit of promoting cooperation between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, a UN specialized agency), aviation stakeholders and airports worldwide, Airports Council International (ACI) has developed the Airport Excellence (APEX) Programmes, which currently includes APEX in Safety and APEX in Security.

The objective of APEX is to define proceedings and knowledge in the specific areas of operations through information exchanges and evaluations of ACI best practices. The regulatory framework of APEX is based on ICAO standards and international aviation laws to maximize operational efficiency and safety standards of airports.

At this juncture in time, the world is looking for a way to develop its activities while respecting the environment and mitigating the environmental impact of climate change. So, at its 27th ACI Annual General Assembly in Mauritius, Africa, ACI World decided to create the APEX in Environment pilot plan, thereby making care of the environment an official resolution of this international organization.

The Quito International Airport, the only greenfield airport in the region, has an advantage in this area. With modern infrastructure and founded with a vision to construct efficient facilities with environmentally friendly regulations, it was created with a robust environmental and social management plan.

Corporación Quiport offered to host the APEX in Environment pilot program, confident in its environmental procedures and knowing that it would be a great learning process. On July 7, 2018, the attendees of the APEX in Environment pilot arrived in Quito led by Danny Boutin, Senior Manager of APEX Programmes, accompanied by Francisco Medela, ACI-LAC Industry Affairs Manager; Juliana Scavuzzi, ACI World Aviation Environmental Specialist; Kristi McKenney, Manager of Aviation at Oakland Airport, USA, and Emanuel Fleuti, Head of Environmental Protection at Zurich Airport.

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Quiport, received the group, stating “We are very aware of our responsibility to have an efficient operation that is environmentally friendly, and it is precisely for this reason that we want to participate in this new APEX in Environment pilot. Corporación Quiport is committed to continue participating in this program and to share our experience with other airports in the region and around the world, and also to learn from their experiences.”

The APEX party spent a week thoroughly inspecting the different facilities at Quito airport, such as the waste recycling plant, wastewater treatment plant, falconry and bird rehabilitation facilities; as well as Quiport’s social projects that benefit neighboring communities.

“ACI is the voice of airports, and as such we feel that we should be innovators on many fronts, with special emphasis on the environment,” explained Danny Boutin, Senior Manager of APEX Programmes. In turn, Juliana Scavuzzi stated “airports are development hubs for their communities, but not just that, airports, through their policies and actions, can forge a path and create positive change in their territories.”

Representatives from Oakland and Zurich airports reached favorable conclusions on the environmental and social management programs and practices of Quiport. Kristi McKenney stated “I want to congratulate Quiport for opening its doors to this party to evaluate and analyze all the environmental and social work it has been doing. We have been impressed by the range of programs it runs.”

The aim of this visit was to lay the ground for the creation of the APEX in Environment program which is to be applied in hundreds of airports around the world. The experts left Quito with positive experiences, leaving recommendations for optimizing processes at Quito airport, and important lessons that will be replicated with a view to ensure that airports are allies of good environmental management.

Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the Brazilian airline, agreed that the new route that will open in December 2018 with three weekly flights.

Brazilian airline GOL announced the start of its new direct route between the cities of São Paulo and Quito, with three weekly flights, starting in December 2018. The announcement was made by the airline on Friday June 29, 2018 and is the result of several months of discussions and planning involving the airline, the Central Government, the Municipality of Quito and Corporación Quiport as concessionaire of Mariscal Sucre Airport.

The airline will operate the new route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays using new generation aircraft Boeing 737 MAX 8. These aircraft are characterized by being more efficient and are ideal for this route.

“The new route is part of GOL’s international expansion strategy; starting in December we expanded GOL’s operations to 10 countries in South America, the Caribbean and the United States. Flights to Quito complement the destinations we already offer, and make possible the connectivity of our Ecuadorian clients with the 700 daily flights of our company and other operations of associated airlines, “states the Vice President of Planning of GOL, Celso Ferrer.

For the Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, Enrique Ponce De León, the arrival of this important airline to Ecuador means connecting two countries that have much to share in tourism. “We are grateful for the trust in our country and we are sure it will be a successful operation. We show our absolute willingness to generate joint promotion strategies, promoting Ecuador as a destination in Brazil thanks to this new route. The Ministry of Tourism is here to support them, “said the high official.

Jessica Alomía, Deputy Secretary of Civil Aviation Transport of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works said that “the Ministry of Transport and Public Works extends the most cordial welcome to GOL airlines in its upcoming start of operations in Ecuador, and at the same time, reaffirms our total commitment to support this new strategic partner providing the optimal conditions for the development of its operation, which we are sure will strengthen the country’s air connectivity. We wish GOL success in his new operation.”

The talks between GOL and Quiport made a decisive breakthrough during Routes Americas 2018, the largest continental-scale route development event that took place in Quito last February. “Welcome GOL to Quito!”, with these words Álvaro Maldonado, Secretary of Productive Development and Competitiveness of the Municipality of Quito, received the news and added that “this new destination with its three weekly frequencies non-stop to São Paulo, connects us in a more efficient way to one of the most important destinations and markets of the region. It represents more tourism, more business, more connectivity and more competitiveness. ”

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Quiport, explains that this is a great opportunity to increase the connectivity of the Ecuadorian capital. “This is the result of a joint effort between the public and private sectors working hand in hand to create the right conditions for GOL to decide to open the route. Our strategy of route development, coupled with the policy of open skies supported by the Government and the promotion of the city that develops the Municipality of Quito have achieved this new milestone,” concluded Mr. O’Brian.

The XIV International Airport Pavement Seminar and VII Airport Pavements Course will take place in Quito. International industry players will congregate to discuss airport safety and technology matters.

From May 28 to June 1, the XIV International Airport Pavement Seminar will be held in Quito, organized by the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Airport Pavements (ALACPA) with the participation of Corporación Quiport as the host airport.

“Quiport is happy to host this event. The ALACPA seminar is an essential event that brings together industry leaders to analyze and update airports in the region in terms of safety, performance and sustainability of the air side in the field of pavements”, commented Andrew O’Brian, president and CEO of the Quito airport concessionaire.

Professionals from airports throughout the region and technical experts in airport pavements will meet at the Swissotel in Quito, where more than 120 attendees from 25 countries will participate in the agenda prepared for this year. Among the attendees will be airport executives, aircraft manufacturers, and among the list of exponents are the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Ecuador, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States, among others.

The seminar will close with a visit to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito where Allan Padilla, director of operations and Leonardo Maia, director of Infrastructure and Engineering at the Quito airport will guide the ALACPA attendees on the air side of the aerodrome to verify the techniques and materials used in the construction of one of the only greenfield airports in the region.

As in previous years, Corporación Quiport has completed its selection and disbursement process for the award of scholarships to students in schools near Mariscal Sucre International Airport. This year, students at 14 educational institutions in Puembo, Pifo, Tababela, Yaruquí, Checa and El Quinche have benefitted from the program.

 

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Quiport, states “this work is not only gratifying, but is an essential part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. Quiport has a keen interest in the improvement of communities within the airport’s area of influence and, particularly, in seeing that the most vulnerable members have all possible opportunities.”

 

Quiport’s scholarship program has been running for more than 10 years, providing financial assistance to students at local schools neighboring the airport. Quiport uses a series of parameters to select the recipients of scholarships, including level of vulnerability, the family’s economic situation and whether the student suffers from a serious illness.

 

On this occasion, Quiport awarded financial assistance to 64 students in neighboring parishes.

 

• The airport’s VIP Lounges received the Latin American Quality Awards 2017 Trophy.
• Additionally, representatives of Quiport received certificates for the quality of services offered at the VIP Lounges.

The VIP Lounges at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport have once more been recognized by the Latin American Quality Institute (LAQI), who awarded a trophy in recognition of excellence in business management and the promotion of a culture of quality throughout Latin America. Additionally, LAQI recognized the quality of services and representatives of the commercial department of Quiport (the concessionaire of Quito’s airport service) with the following international certifications: Global Quality Certification, Quality Assurance Manager and Marketing & Branding Manager Leader.

To award these prizes that recognize and certify the total quality of products and services offered to passengers at the VIP Lounges, LAQI considered factors including customer service, innovation, quality of products and services and friendliness of staff.

The domestic and international VIP Lounges at Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport include areas for rest, gastronomic offering, business and entertainment to provide travelers with a variety of services devised for their comfort. The VIP Lounges add to the array of quality services offered at Quito’s Airport. In November 2017, the expanded and renovated International VIP Lounge was inaugurated, increasing the quality of service for its users.

The Latin American Quality Awards 2017 trophy is the highest recognition awarded by LAQI yearly, while the certifications issued by LAQI are sustained by 38 strategic alliances and are recognized in more than 100 countries, providing credibility in the global market.

Certifications and awards given by LAQI are based on criteria with high standards of quality and are developed by a team of specialists in each area. These recognitions are awarded with the aim to continue encouraging and motivating companies and entrepreneurs throughout Latin America to continue on the path to Total Quality.

• Aeromexico, the Mexican flag carrier, increases its offer to 10 flights/week

As of April 13, Aeromexico operates a second flight with three new frequencies in the Quito – Mexico City route. This new operation will improve Quito’s connectivity not only with Mexican destinations but also with other points of commercial and tourist interest such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas and Miami, also reducing connection times with Canadian and Asian destinations.

Ecuador shares many close links with Mexico and, therefore, air connectivity is a key element to strengthen both countries’ commercial, productive and tourist sectors whereby the operation of new frequencies, furthermore, strengthening their development. The arrival at the Mariscal Sucre Airport of the first flight operating in one of the new frequencies will complete the planning and implementation process undertaken several months ago in order to make possible the increase of frequencies and, undoubtedly, will mark the beginning of new opportunities for both countries.

This new milestone is part of Quiport’s permanent commitment to offer its users more alternatives to satisfy their demands. The company, in unison with Aeromexico, the Municipality of Quito and the central government through its Tourism and Transport Ministries, has used every effort so that Quito and Mexico will be much closer to each other.

According to Andrew O’Brian, President of Corporación Quiport, “the experience of working with Aeromexico has been the best. It is a responsible and trustworthy airline with which we share our objectives of constant growth and innovation. We are very pleased with their decision to increase operations in Quito and we wish Aeromexico every success in the new frequencies.”

“With this further increase we will strengthen our presence in the market, as it will allow us to increase by 43% the offer of seats, thereby reflecting our efforts to provide the best product to our customers. In 2017 Aeromexico carried 20% more passengers than in 2016”, Arik De, Aeromexico’s Assistant Director for Strategy and Planning, emphasized.

The Quito airport operated by Quiport is a regional leader in airport services. From the beginning of its operations it committed its efforts to constantly improve its services and upgrade the quality of transportation in this country in keeping with global changes. More than 30 recognitions from the industry endorse our commitment that is upheld and strengthened by our looking for new service alternatives for its users.

• The Airports Council International – Latin America & Caribbean (ACI-LAC) met for the first time this year and, within the framework of the 10th edition of the International Air Transport Association “Wings of Change” Aviation Forum, held a high-level meeting with IATA executives to discuss strategic issues that ACI-LAC and IATA share and that require mutual cooperation to promote the growth of air transport and thus facilitate the value of aviation between cities as a driver of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Airports Council International – Latin America & Caribbean (ACI-LAC) met for the first time this year and, within the framework of the 10th edition of the International Air Transport Association “Wings of Change” Aviation Forum, held a high-level meeting with IATA executives to discuss strategic issues that ACI-LAC and IATA share and that require mutual cooperation to promote the growth of air transport and thus facilitate the value of aviation between cities as a driver of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting was attended by Angela Gittens, Director General of ACI World; Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of IATA; Martín Eurnekián, Presidente of ACI-LAC and Vice Chair of ACI World; Peter Cerda, IATA VP for the Americas; Javier Martínez, Director General of ACI-LAC; Andrew O’Brian and Ezequiel Barrenechea, Vice Presidents of ACI-LAC; Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Executive Director of ALTA; Filipe Reiss and Oracio Márquez of IATA.

During the meeting, the main issues agreed upon in a memorandum of understanding signed last year in November among ACI-LAC, ALTA and IATA were discussed. The agreement provides for joint efforts to:

• Improve the operational safety of aviation to achieve the safety goals set by the Regional Aviation Safety Group – Pan America (RASG-PA);
• Implement safety and facilitation measures, including new technologies designed to simplify commercial procedures and transactional processes;
• Continue with efforts to improve airport infrastructure and air traffic management initiatives for secure, efficient and sustainable operations;
• Collaborate and exchange best practices on fuel supply and storage;
• Place commercial aviation in government agendas to highlight the value of aviation of a driver of economic and social development.

Martín Eurnekián highlighted the need to maintain an ongoing dialogue between the different organizations, regardless of issues concerning airport fees and concession models in respect of which there are different perspectives. He also reiterated ACI-LAC’s permanent commitment to seeking opportunities for collaboration among key players in the aviation industry. “The challenges posed by the projected growth in passenger and cargo traffic in the region over the next 20 years demand genuine efforts by airlines to ensure safe and sustainable development of air transport in the region,” said Eurnekián, President of ACI-LAC.

• During three consecutive years, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport has been designated Best Regional Airport in South America by Skytrax. Furthermore, it received the award for Best Airport Personnel and a 4-star airport rating.

During the Passenger Terminal Expo in Stockholm, Sweden, the Quito airport received three Skytrax awards – the most prestigious prizes in the airport industry worldwide. The Mariscal Sucre Airport was recognized once again as Best Regional Airport in South America, a 4-star Airport, and Best Airport Personnel in South America.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are voted by travelers through the largest annual survey in the world to measure airport customer satisfaction, operating every year since 1999 and is the leading global Airport Rating system that classifies airports by the Quality of airport product facilities and staff service standards.

More than 13 million passengers of 105 nationalities assess their experience in 550 terminals worldwide, ranking the services and the facilities of airports through different points, including check-in, arrivals, transfers, commercial options, security and migration, up to the boarding gate.

“We are very proud knowing that our customers and passengers consider that the personnel working in the companies and organizations at the airport is the best in the continent, a very essential feature for being designated Best Airport in South America”, Andrew O’Brian, President and Director General of Quiport, stated.

In Skytrax’s list of the World’s 100 Best Airports, the Mariscal Sucre climbed 5 points in relation to 2017, ranked number 47; South America’s second-best ranking after Bogotá (number 46).

On the other hand, to determine the 4-star rating (over 5) of the Mariscal Sucre Airport, a professional team from Skytrax Research visited the facilities in late 2017 and evaluated parameters such as transport and access roads, security, migration services, signage, services and comfort at the terminal, shops, among others, as part of its World Airport Audit.

The World Airport Audit is conducted in airports throughout the world by Skytrax Research, a specialized organization performing audits on the air industry. It provides an end-to-end quality analysis and advice for improving all products and services to first class standards.

This is the third consecutive year when the Quito airport has received a 4-star rating; thus, it shares the same ranking as airports such as Rome (Italy), Amsterdam Schipol (The Netherlands), Houston (United States), Frankfurt (Germany), Heathrow (England), Paris Charles de Gaulle (France), Tokyo Narita (Japan), Bogota El Dorado (Colombia), and Vancouver (Canada).

The renewal of such an important recognition is the result of the work performed by Corporación Quiport as concessionaire of the city’s airport, together with municipal, governmental entities and private enterprises that operate in the airport.

“Quiport is permanently committed to look and to see how and where to improve and is responsive to the passenger’s needs and expectations because it is committed to the tourist and economic development of Quito and Ecuador. That is why it has renewed and remodeled the International VIP Lounge, improved the signage, and implemented permanent care on details such as cleaning as well as the attention provided by airport personnel, operators and airlines to guarantee a pleasant experience”, Andrew O’Brian concluded.

• Investments of more than US$ 130 million since its inauguration, multiple local and international recognitions, increased passenger and cargo capacity, all this added to the scope of its Social Responsibility programs are some of the achievements that summarize the impact of the Quito airport during its five years of existence.

Five years have elapsed since February 20, 2013 – a date that marked a milestone in air transportation of Quito upon the transfer of operations from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport to Tababela, northeast of Quito. According to information provided by Corporación Quiport S.A. (the concessionaire of this infrastructure) the concessionaire and its strategic partners have invested US$ 133.2 million in expansions, fittings, and improvements in the airport during its five years of operation.

In respect of connectivity, Quiport explains that 25.7 million passengers have transited through the Mariscal Sucre Airport since 2013 through 11 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations connected with Quito. Likewise, four new airlines have been added to the routes serving the capital city (Aeroméxico, JetBlue, Wingo and Air Europa). Furthermore, weekly frequencies to existing destinations such as Amsterdam, Bogota, Panama and Mexico City were added.

Such increased connectivity has positive influence on the generation of more and better opportunities for the country. For instance, IATA’s connectivity index grew from 4.75% in 2010 to 10.24% in 2016, resulting in US$ 356.75 million added to the country’s GDP.

“We who belong to Quiport and to the Quito International Airport are proud for the accomplishments obtained during five years of operation thanks to our profound knowledge of the activity and much efforts and great passion for our work, being aware that the airport offers the first and the last impression of the city and the country” said Andrew O’Brian, President and Director General of Quiport.

Likewise, the city’s export capacity has been strengthened during the five years of operation in Tababela. Approximately 800 tons of cargo have been handled, representing an important contribution to the country’s international trade. Since 2014 until December 2017, flower exports cargo has increased by 23.3%. During the 2018 Valentine season, more than 16,000 tons of flowers were exported to the world from the renewed cargo platform that allows simultaneous parking of 6 airplanes of great capacity, some of them regarded as the largest in the world.

Excellence passenger experience is one of the pillars of Quiport’s activity. More first-class services have been implemented during the past five years, such as the area for children’s games at the terminal, automatic boarding doors, self-check-in and baggage self-tagging kiosks, free WiFi, and an ample commercial supply of prestigious brands that are leaders in each segment.

Concerning tourism, the total expenditures generated by visitors who came to Ecuador through the Quito airport amounted to US$ 817 million nationwide during 2016. And concerning employment generation, about 38,270 jobs were created in 2016 in the country.

Furthermore, Quiport’s social and environmental approach has permitted substantial development of the airport’s neighboring communities. More than 100,000 persons have benefitted from the social programs, and operations at the airport are carried out according to strict environmental regulations that led us to obtain important ratings worldwide on reduction of the carbon footprint.

Those figures demonstrate our contribution to the development of the country, the city and the areas surrounding the airport which, added to excellent ratings from passengers and users in respect of the airport’s services, have resulted in that the aeronautical and tourism industry has recognized it as South America’s Leading Airport during four consecutive years.

“The success of the Mariscal Sure Airport operations is due to the work performed jointly by more than 120 entities that operate in it, employing approximately 8,000 persons. Nothing like this could have been reached without the work performed by each one of them,” the official added.

• As of April 13, the route will add 3 new weekly frequencies.
• This increase will offer greater connectivity for the region.
• During 2017, Aeromexico transported 20 percent more passengers on this route than in 2016.

Aeromexico, the Mexican flag carrier, announced an increase in frequencies on its Quito – Mexico City route starting April 13, which will grow to 10 weekly flights with the following itinerary:

These new frequencies -subject to government approval- aim to satisfy the demand that exists between both countries and offer greater connectivity to national destinations such as Guadalajara, Cancun, Monterrey, among others. In addition to this, it is planned to offer a better connection to international destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas and Miami, also reducing connection times to Canada and Asian destinations.

Arik De, Vice President of Strategy and Planning of Aeromexico, said: “With this new increase we will strengthen our presence in the market and allow us to have a 43 percent greater seat offering, which reflects our effort to give a better product to our clients. In 2017 alone, Aeromexico transported 20 percent more passengers than in 2016”.

The President of Corporación Quiport, Andrew O’Brian, stated: “the experience of working with Aeromexico has been one of the best since the beginning of its operation in Quito in December 2013. It is a responsible and reliable airline whose operation at the International Airport of Quito has strengthened and registered an important growth. All this leads us to announce an increase from seven to 10 weekly frequencies. This decision was the result of joint work between Aeromexico, Quiport, the Municipality of Quito and the central government through the ministries of Tourism and of Transport. We are very happy with the announcement and we predict success for Aeromexico with its new frequencies”.

Aeromexico reaffirms its commitment to provide its customers with the best flight options and a greater connectivity network through its more than 90 destinations in three continents.