Quito’s new $700 million Mariscal Sucre International Airport, in Ecuador, has officially opened.
The facilities have a capacity to handle 5.5 million passengers and 250,000 tonnes of cargo per year.Airport operator, Corporación Quiport, has made an investment of $687 million, and holds the concession until 2041.The country’s President, Rafael Correa; Quito’s Mayor, Augusto Barrera; and president of Quiport, Philippe Baril; along with government officials, ambassadors, and the people of Quito participated of the ceremony.The new airport is located over the Tababela plateau, 11 miles from Quito and it will provide 3,700 acres for future developments.The 13,450ft runway (4,100m) is located 1,310ft lower than the current location, bringing more efficiency to aircraft, allowing take-offs with full passenger, cargo and fuel, also allowing direct long-haul services.The new passenger terminal is a 410,000 sq ft facility, while 452,000 sq ft of space has been allocated for cargo.Philippe Baril, president of Quiport, said: “The new airport will be a unique gateway to Quito, offering an exceptional experience to airport users, as well as consolidating Quito as the major export air gateway of Ecuador.“It is almost impossible to overstate the positive impact the new airport will have on customer service and subsequently passenger satisfaction levels.Javier Martinez, director general of Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean, added: “For the airport community of the region, the opening of the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport represents a solid example of the achievement of the collaborative work between governments and private airport operators for the benefit of the air transport industry.“The new and modern facilities, not only will improve passengers and cargo facilitation at the new terminal, but also it will bring the operations to enhanced levels of service and safety.”Source: airportworld, Steven Thompson
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