A global leader in energy and solutions, ENGIE and Inframerica, the concessionaire for Brasília Airport, have signed a unique agreement for the supply of energy from renewable sources to aircraft parked on the airport terminal apron.

This innovative solution designed by ENGIE provides for the installation of equipment in 22 jet bridges at the airport in order to maintain electrical and air conditioning systems running in stationary aircraft.

Currently, the electrical system and air conditioning of the aircraft are supplied by external diesel generators, known as GPUs (Ground Power Units), or by auxiliary kerosene powered units installed in the aircraft itself. “The new solution reduces the carbon footprint, eliminates the use of this equipment on the terminal apron, rendering the process more secure, with fewer obstacles to vehicle maneuvering  and manpower as well as improving the acoustics of the operation. In this way we seek to demonstrate our commitment with the reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG), reinforcing our actions to ensure a more sustainable operation”, explains Roberto Luiz, Air Business director at Inframerica.

Recently, Brasília Airport was awarded the Gold Seal under the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program (Greenhouse Gas Protocol), which publishes greenhouse gas emissions’ inventories (GHG). The Airports Council International (ACI) has also recognized the Brasilia terminal with international carbon control certification.

The principal airlines at Brasília Airport have already signed up to the service. As a result, an annual reduction in emissions of about 20 thousand tons of CO₂  at the terminal is expected, equivalent to the planting of more than 120 thousand trees.

“This initiative is in accordance with ENGIE’s ambition of leading the energy transition towards a low carbon economy, helping companies to decarbonize their processes and becoming more sustainable and efficient”, says Leonardo Serpa, CEO of ENGIE Soluções. “In addition, costs will be optimized for the companies, the electric energy prices tending to become more competitive”, the executive adds.

LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

ENGIE and Brasília Airport are also partners in the supply of renewable energy, an initiative that will become effective from 2022. Serpa says that the company is also negotiating  with other airport terminal operators – a strategic segment for the company – electric mobility solutions as well as other services.

Inframerica’s Roberto Luiz notes that the partnership with ENGIE is a long-term one and points out that the aim is to replicate this new project at other airports in the Group both in Brazil as well as abroad.

It is estimated that all the jetways at Brasília Airport will have been adopted for the supply of electricity within 12 months.

About Inframerica

Controlled by Corporación América S/A, Inframerica is the current manager of Brasília and Natal Airports. One of the largest airport operators in the world, the Argentine holding has extensive experience in the sector with dozens of concessions in Latin America and Europe, managing a total of 52 airports. It also has operations in highly competitive markets such as the sectors of agribusiness, energy, infrastructure and technology.

Based on its know-how in airport operations, Corporación joined Consórcio Inframerica to bid for Brazilian airport terminal concessions.

In August 2011, it bid successfully in the first concession auction in Brazil, Inframerica becoming responsible for the construction, maintenance and exploration of the São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport in the metro region of Natal for a 28-year period, so becoming the first fully privatized airport in Brazil.  

About six months later in a new auction in early 2012, the same Consortium was also successful in its bid for the Presidente Juscelino Kubitscheck International Airport concession in Brasília, holding a stake  of 51%, for operating, modernizing and expanding the airport site for a 25 year period. Unlike the Natal terminal, in Brasília  Infraero is a partner of Inframerica and holds a 49% stake in the concession.

Inframerica has already invested more than R$2 billion in the two airports, increasing the capacity, comfort and efficiency of these important Brazilian air terminals.