Happy 1st Birthday Greater Natal International Airport
In May 2014 Greater Natal International Airport, São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport, opened its doors to both domestic and international passengers across the world.
Built to replace the existing airport Augusto Severo, the new Greater Natal Airport has increased passenger capacity from 2.4 million to 6.2 million passengers per annum and welcomed 2,607,218 million passengers alone over the past 12 months.
Located just 25km from Natal city centre, Greater Natal Airport is the largest airport in South America. Built in an area of 42,000 sq m it offers 860 parking spaces, 6 baggage claim belts and 42 check-in counters.
One year on since opening and Greater Natal International Airport is rated as one of the best passenger terminals in Brazil with excellent rankings for comfort, cleanliness, airport lounges and the return of luggage.
The airport accommodates various airlines including TAM, TAP Portugal, Gol, Azul Brazilian Airlines connecting Natal by air with many Brazilian cities as well as international destinations. For example, TAP Portugal offers direct international flights to Lisbon and at just 6 hours, 15 minutes is currently one of the shortest flight times from Brazil to Europe. Most recently a new direct flight route has been announced connecting Natal with Milan, Italy, opening new tourism and business opportunities.
The airport has already had a great impact on the development of Natal city and its economy. It was key in Natal’s appointment as a FIFA World Cup host city in the summer of 2014 and aside from further boosting tourism growth, Greater Natal Airport is also aiding the economy by expanding international trade within the region.
With the airport in the running to become a central HUB (distribution centre for flights), Greater Natal Airport has developed a cargo terminal with capacity for 10,000 tons per year. Natal has also become a new destination in the Lufthansa Cargo network, complementing the Group’s existing Frankfurt via Viracopos route.
Always welcoming of new infrastructure developments in and around its home city of Natal, Ritz-G5 is supporting Greater Natal Airport through indoor banner advertising, posters and branding on the covered walkways and luggage trolleys.
Ritz-G5 CEO, Luiz Fernandes, says the company has already benefited from the new air infrastructure and is looking forward to its future,
“Ritz-G5 has been able to witness the success of Natal’s new airport first-hand since opening a year ago. For millions of domestic and international visitors, the airport is the first experience they will have of Natal and so it is very important that it reflects the Natal of today – a modern, future-facing and welcoming city. We believe the new airport will help to grow the city’s economy even further and we are excited to see what’s yet to come.”
For more information on Greater Natal International Airport, contact the team on +44 207 183 7565 or visit www.ritz-g5.com.