Aena Desarrollo Internacional SME expands its footprint in Brazil
Aena Desarrollo Internacional SME operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Aena, guiding international activities on behalf of the group. It was announced as the successful bidder in Brazil for a long term concession awarded by the National Civil Aviation Agency, for an initial period of 30 years with an option to extend for five more years. The company disclosed the outcome to the National Securities Market Commission, marking a major milestone for its international portfolio.
The financial terms place the prize price at 2,450 million Brazilian reais, roughly 468 million euros, plus an additional 1,639 million reais (about 312 million euros) in mandatory commitments. The total value of the operation amounts to 4,089 million reais, about 780 million euros. This deal represents the largest international operation conducted by Aena to date and establishes the firm as the manager of Brazil’s largest network of concession airports, comprising 17 airports nationwide.
The 11 airports awarded under this concession account for a significant share of Brazil’s air traffic, including Congonhas, Campo Grande, Uberlândia, Santarém, Marabá, Montes Claros, Carajás, Altamira, Uberaba, Corumbá and Ponta Porã. Congonhas stands out as the busiest in the group and the second busiest airport in the country, underscoring the strategic importance of this portfolio.
The concession agreement imposes a variable fee linked to gross income and includes a four year grace period. The fee schedule is designed to rise from 3.23 percent to 16.15 percent annually as performance metrics are met. The signing of the concession agreement was planned for February 2023, aligning with Brazil’s broader infrastructure investment agenda.
Investment plans indicate that about 73 percent of the concession is expected to be deployed during the initial phase, targeting investments near 5,000 million reais, or approximately 954.3 million euros, through 2028. These investments are aimed at enhancing airport capacity, safety, and passenger experience across the network.
Maurici Lucena, president and CEO of Aena, highlighted Brazil as a country with undeniable potential. He noted that internal traffic in Brazil had shown a notable recovery. Despite challenges posed by the global health crisis, the company emphasised a commitment to value creation for public and private sector shareholders and workers alike. The internationalization of Aena was framed as a critical strategy for sustaining growth and ensuring long-term success in international markets.