Aena wins 30-year concession to operate São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, plans to modernize and expand

The concession was part of a larger deal, in which Aena also won the rights to operate 10 other Brazilian airports for a total of USD 479 million. The Spanish company plans to invest in the expansion and modernization of the Brazilian terminals.  

Congonhas Airport saw 7.79 million passengers in 2022, recovering 71.86% of its 2019 pre-pandemic domestic traffic. Major airlines such as LATAM, Azul, and GOL among others offer commercial services at the airport, according to Aviation Analytics company Cirium. Congonhas plays a crucial role in logistics and transportation, with specialized cargo terminals and industrial warehouses serving as hubs for goods distribution across Brazil. As e-commerce continues to grow in Brazil, there is an expected increase in demand for cargo transportation services. The airport ranks second among the busiest in the country, after São Paulo International Airport, which handles around 30 million passengers annually. 

Industrial Hub 

The Brazilian aviation industry is experiencing a significant transformation with the concession of the Congonhas airport to Aena. This move is expected to provide a boost to trade and tourism in the country as the expansion and modernization of terminals take place. 

Moreover, there is an expected growth in the development of industrial warehouses primarily driven by the increase in e-commerce sales. In the first two months of 2023, GRU Airport reported transporting 43,000 tons of cargo, and there are plans to construct more than 200,000 square meters of industrial warehouses. In 2022, SiiLA recorded the delivery of 2.7 million square meters of (Class A+, A, and B) industrial warehouses, 23% higher than the new stock delivered during 2021 according to SiiLA Market Analytics. The trend is expected to continue in 2023, following the explosion of online sales, which gained significant momentum during the pandemic and remains strong. 

Industrial properties located near airports are becoming an increasingly attractive option for companies looking to create efficient supply chains. These properties offer easy access to air transportation and infrastructure, which can help businesses streamline their supply chain and reduce transportation costs. According to Giancarlo Nicastro, CEO at SiiLA, "As companies prioritize efficient supply chains, industrial properties near airports are an increasingly attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their operations and maximize profits." 

According to SiiLA data, the vacancy rate of industrial properties in the Guarulhos region, where São Paulo international airport is located, reached 9.55% in 2022. This is lower than the 12.66% vacancy rate observed in São Paulo. Market rents are also higher in the region, averaging at R$27.97/m² versus the state average of R$23.41/m². "Historically, the vacancy rate in Guarulhos has always remained below the state average, especially due to its strategic location near the largest consumer center in the country, the city of São Paulo, and also the largest airport in the country," explains Nicastro. These figures suggest that industrial properties near airports, such as those in the Guarulhos region, offer attractive investment opportunities. 

Aena's 30-year concession contract to operate São Paulo's Congonhas Airport is a significant move in Brazil's aviation industry. The expansion and modernization of terminals are expected to boost trade and tourism. The increase in demand for cargo transportation services, fueled by the rise of e-commerce in Brazil, is also expected to drive growth in developing industrial warehouses near airports, providing attractive investment opportunities.