RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, one of the three busiest in Latin America, will have the world’s largest VIP passenger terminal. GRU Airport, the company that operates the airport, gave a presentation explaining how the site will work and the services available to users.
The contract for the construction of the site was signed last week between GRU Airport and AEPM International, a Canadian company that will be responsible for the work.
The project of the new VIP terminal of Guarulhos Airport will include investments of US$9.3 million and, as previously mentioned, will be the largest in the world in this category.
However, the space will no longer be reserved for passengers buying a first-class ticket or using a business jet, but will be accessible to everyone, but for a fee of US$150.
The VIP terminal, with an area of 5,100 square meters, will offer services for the comfort and luxury of passengers. Starting with baggage transport, which will be handled by on-site staff. Check-in and other bureaucratic procedures will also be handled by staff assigned to customers.
In addition, passengers can use all the place’s infrastructure while waiting for their flights. There is exclusive limousine transportation, reserved spaces for bathing and resting, restaurants run by renowned chefs, space for pets, coworking, and even parking for flying electric cars (e-VTOLs) in the vertiports.
WHEN WILL IT BE READY?
According to GRU Airport, the new VIP terminal at Guarulhos Airport will be completed by the end of 2023. According to initial estimates, 100,000 passengers per year will use the terminal. The space’s concession and management will be AEPM International’s responsibility for the next 40 years.
During the presentation, the companies explained that the new VIP terminal would be located between the hangars of American Airlines and LATAM, next to the current Terminal 3, the newest at Guarulhos Airport. Since it is essentially a place for international flights, there will also be a Free Shop (Duty-Free) service.
WHY BUILD A VIP TERMINAL?
AEPM explains that the investment will focus on e-VTOLs (vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), better known as “flying cars.”
“We will have a ‘vertiport’ so that once [the flying cars] are homologated, we can offer transfers to other regions of São Paulo state. We can say that investment goes hand in hand with the privatization of airports because it allows other types of services to be offered, as is happening worldwide.
Following the approval of the Federal Audit Office (TCU), the National Civil Aviation Authority (Anac) approved the public notice and the auction project of the seventh round of airports in early June, transferring Congonhas (SP) and 14 other terminals to the private initiative.
According to Juliano Noman, general director of Anac, the auction will take place on August 18 and will be divided into three blocks. An investment of US$1.4 billion is expected.
Although the pandemic has affected several behaviors, such as the desire to go to more exclusive places with fewer people, AEPM says the construction does not reflect the health crisis.
“All over the world, there are alternative ways for passengers to board: for those in a hurry, business travelers, or those who want more comfort. The main thing is the convenience that we will offer,” says the company, which did not inform how long the project has been in development.
According to Gustavo Figueiredo, CEO of GRU Airport, the new terminal is in line with the strategy to diversify services and is part of the growth of the concept of a “business airport”.
“Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo is the pioneer in the world, bringing the experience of international players to offer the best in this segment,” he said.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Among the services offered by the VIP airport is a vertiport, an exclusive lane for flying cars.
Also included are the use of limousines, a staff for various aids, an ergonomic business area, a private lounge, a soundproof children’s area, a pet area, a room reserved for smokers, a relaxation room, a concierge service, as well as ironing facilities (ironing laundry), Butler’s shoe shine service and high-pressure showers.
In the terminal, a Brazilian chef will be in charge of Brazilian cuisine; the à la carte area will also offer dishes from different countries.
The service starts with a driver picking up our guests directly from the plane in a luxury limousine. Once at the VIP terminal, a dedicated host will take care of all the necessary formalities while the person enjoys the hospitality of the lounge and prepares for their business meeting or next trip,” says Anita Newcourt, VP of Guest Experience at AEPM International.
The terminal infrastructure is being built with a vision of sustainable, integrated, modern air mobility. According to AEPM, starting in 2026, so-called e-VOLTs and air cabs will connect Guarulhos with other areas of São Paulo.
The architectural design was created by Brazilian architect Carlos Rossi. Users will have access to meeting rooms equipped with technology, audiovisual systems, and a sensory garden that encourages relaxation before the flight.