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• As of March 26, the airline will fly six days a week from Quito to Europe.
• This is a new sign of confidence in Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
• The route will be operated with a larger aircraft equipped with more comfortable cabins.

Quito, November 23, 2016. As of March 26, 2017, Iberia, Spain’s flagship airline, will fly non-stop between Quito and Madrid six times a week, noticeably improving the connectivity between the capital cities of these two countries.

In a communication sent on November 23, the Spanish airline stated that it will operate six non-stop flights a week, every day except Wednesdays, making it the only company to offer non-stop flights between Quito and Europe in both directions. In future, Iberia will analyze the option of increasing its service to seven flights per week.

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, stated “we are very happy since this announcement is very significant for tourism and business travel in the city of Quito. Iberia’s decision is a great vote of confidence for Quito Airport, which stands out in the region not only for its infrastructure, but for the quality of its services”.

Quito increases its connectivity

Corporación Quiport has always shown its willingness for airlines such as Iberia to increase their offer and, this way, improve connections with Quito. “The conditions of the airport and the importance of Quito as a destination in the region have been decisive factors in this important decision by Iberia”, said Andrew O’Brian.

On October 28, 2013, Iberia started its non-stop flights to Madrid from Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito with three flights per week, and three years later it has announced that it will double the number of flights.

“This new scheduling will considerably reduce the flight time and improves connections via Madrid to almost 100 destinations in Iberia’s network in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East”, according to a statement from the airline.

More capacity and comfort

The airline will operate the flights using its largest aircraft, the Airbus A340/600, with capacity for 346 passengers: 46 in Business and 300 in Economy. Iberia emphasized that it will offer almost 220,000 seats per year on the route, which involves a 22% increase in its offer in total and a 28% increase in the Business segment.

These aircraft are also equipped with Iberia’s new Business and Economy class cabins which offer greater comfort to passengers, a varied entertainment menu and in-flight WiFi.

About Corporación Quiport S.A.

Corporación Quiport is the company in charge of the administration, operation and maintenance of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR from Brazil, Odinsa S.A. from Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) from the USA.

Quito International Airport played an important role in the success of Habitat III, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development. The agility with which passengers were attended to, added to the friendliness and efficiency of all the persons, companies and institutions that provide services at the airport, were key factors in projecting an excellent image of the country to the thousands of visitors who arrived in Quito.

This is shown by the numerous positive comments received from authorities, special visitors and participants of the conference, who highlighted the comfort of the airport facilities and excellent service.

In order to rise to the challenge posed by Habitat III, Corporación Quiport carried out a series of improvements and special coordination to ensure that Mariscal Sucre International Airport was completely prepared, in this way contributing to the improved image of the city during this significant event for Quito, which showed itself at its best to the world.

Thanks to the opening of the new domestic terminal in May 2015, we were able to optimize and adapt spaces to ensure more spaciousness and comfort at the international terminal.

We have made the following changes to the freed spaces:

• Additional areas in the Immigration Hall at Arrivals, Baggage Claim and Customs.
• Anti-Narcotics Control Room.
• Re-location of the Arrivals Duty Free Shop.
• New A8 Departure Lounge accommodating 150 passengers.
• New Protocol Room.
• New room for non-admitted passengers.

Furthermore, we have worked to install a fifth baggage carousel to improve efficiency in the delivery of baggage and at Customs. We are replacing the internal lighting of the terminal and the aprons with LED lights which will significantly reduce energy consumption, having a positive impact on the reduction of the airport´s Carbon Footprint.

“We have worked not only on optimizing spaces and services, but also on landscaping. At the exit of the airport´s passenger terminal, we have installed a linear water fountain with night lighting. Behind this fountain is a garden mounted on three levels, in the style of terraces, which display various species of ornamental plants” states Andrew O´Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of the city´s airport service.

Precise Coordination

In addition to infrastructure and services, coordination to maintain the safety and efficiency of operations is very important. Thanks to joint efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and Empresa Pública Metropolitana de Servicios Aeroportuarios, an organized operation was executed in order to handle Habitat participants without affecting the airport´s regular passengers.

“On this occasion we received 11 heads of state from various parts of the world, as well as the highest authorities of bodies of the United Nations system, headed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. But our team is very professional and experienced; remember that we have carried out special operations for the visit of Pope Francis and a Summit of Presidents of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)”, explains Andrew O’Brian.

All these experiences have allowed Mariscal Sucre Airport to continue positioning itself as one of the principal airports in the region, placing Quito in a confident position regarding the excellence of its airport service.

• The appointment took place in the setting of the organization´s 25th Assembly.
• This is a new show of confidence in the regional leadership of Corporación Quiport.
• ACI-LAC represents 260 airports from 37 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Quito, November 9, 2016. This afternoon, the General Assembly of Airports Council International Latin America-Caribbean (ACI-LAC) appointed its new officers for a term of two years. Corporación Quiport, in the person of its President and CEO, Mr. Andrew O’Brian, was elected First Vice President of the organization, which represents airports in the region.

The appointment was made in the setting of the 25th ACI-LAC Annual Assembly Conference & Exhibition held in Brasilia. This appointment ratifies the leadership of Quito and its airport in the regional airport context, given that the organization represents the interests of more than 260 airports in 37 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

After the announcement of the new Board of Directors, Andrew O’Brian spoke of the importance of this appointment for airport activity in Quito and Ecuador. “For several years, Quiport has actively worked in ACI-LAC and its diverse committees. The fact that we have constructed and operated one of the top airports in the region allows us to be one of the leaders of the industry. Our participation in the organization that represents airports also gives us the opportunity to share and benefit from the best practices of the various stakeholders of the airport industry and to use these experiences to benefit the service that we provide to our passengers and users”.

Martín Eurnekian, President of Inframerica, the concessionaire of Brasilia and Natal airports in Brazil, was elected President.

The ACI-LAC Assembly, Conference and Exhibition convened 300 delegates of the members of the organization and industry leaders for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the organization.

The event was also an ideal platform to foster relationships with leaders and decision makers from airport operators, government and service providers among other industry stakeholders.

Airports Council International was established in 1991 by airport operators around the world. Its mission is to advance the collective interests of the air transport industry and to promote cooperation among its members. Through ACI-LAC, the regional airport community speaks with one voice.

About Corporación Quiport S.A.

Corporación Quiport is the company in charge of the administration, operation and maintenance of Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Quiport is formed by important companies with vast experience in the concession and operation of airports: CCR from Brazil, Odinsa S.A. from Colombia and HAS Development Corporation (HAS-DC) from the USA.

• Quirport received the Progressive Inclusive Seal from the Municipality’s Office for Inclusion.
• The recognition is part of the “Quito, Inclusive City” Project which aims to transform the capital into a fair and diverse capital free from discrimination.

The Municipality of Quito’s Office for Social Inclusion awarded the Progressive Inclusive Seal to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for having taken the necessary steps to provide accessibility to disabled persons with quality and efficiency. The Progressive Inclusive Seal is an incentive given to public and private entities for the implementation of inclusive management systems as part of social responsibility policies, and was given to Corporación Quiport as the concessionaire and party in charge of managing the airport, on behalf of all the institutions and persons that provide services at the airport.

Corporación Quiport is responsible for providing the best service to all passengers and users of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, without any type of discrimination. To this end, since the beginning of the project it established easy access for all as a fundamental condition for the design and construction of the airport.

At the ceremony for this recognition held on Monday, October 03, the Municipality’s Secretary of Social Inclusion, César Mantilla, explained that since January the Municipal Council has been encouraging the “Quito, Inclusive City” Project, which aims to progressively transform Quito into a fair and diverse city free from discrimination.

Users recommended awarding the seal to the Airport

Mantilla said that it was decided to give the Inclusive Seal to the airport thanks to the actions of a disabled rights activist who during a visit to the airport as a user was able to verify the facilities provided at the terminal and the willingness and collaboration of the airport staff towards disabled persons. “This is what is valuable, that the recognition does not stem from a request but rather that we have come to the airport to recognize all it has done”, said César Mantilla.

For his part, the Secretary for Productive Development and Competitiveness, Álvaro Maldonado, congratulated the airport for its efforts towards inclusion. “This commits us further to our city, it commits us further to the beneficiaries and passengers who one way or another will feel that this also applies to their families and the needs they may have as regards inclusion. We are really very happy with all the work that we have carried out together with the concessionaire (Quiport)”.

“For those who make up Mariscal Sucre Airport, we are proud to receive the Progressive Inclusive Seal which commits us to identifying opportunities for improvement in this regard” said Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, after receiving the recognition.

He also stated that this award is for the entire airport city, since infrastructure is one part and the other part is contributed by all the entities and more than 7,000 persons who provide services at the airport.

Andrew O’Brian congratulated the Municipality for encouraging the “Quito, Inclusive City” Project and said that with this initiative “Quito is placed at the forefront of this global trend that seeks to make cities places in which diversity, equality and lack of discrimination are the main principles of urban management”.

Characteristics of Accessibility

The infrastructure of Quito Airport offers the following facilities:

• Separate parking spaces,
• Access ramps to the terminal,
• Wide elevators and escalators,
• Bathroom signage in Braille,
• Specific bathrooms and drinking fountains for those with special needs,
• Special seats in departure lounges,
• No obstacles such as uneven surfaces or stairs on each floor of the terminal.

• The shop has relocated to an area just after the immigration counters and incorporates a walkthrough concept.
• The relocation is part of a project to improve the passenger terminal.

Quito, 14 March 2016. As of this Monday morning, the Attenza Duty Free Shop in the international arrivals section of Mariscal Sucre Airport has a new, much more modern and accessible look as well as a new location for the comfort of passengers arriving to the country at the capital’s airport terminal.

The remodelling of the shop, now measuring 250m2, and its relocation to an area just after the immigration counters, includes a walkthrough concept allowing passengers arriving at Quito to enjoy premium brands, excellent prices and a wide selection of products offered by Attenza Duty Free.

“The relocation of the Attenza Shop is part of a project to improve the international arrivals area and seeks to provide a better experience for our passengers, providing more space prior to immigration clearance, a Duty Free shop with a modern concept and improved use of the baggage collection and customs areas”, explains Carlos Criado, Director of Business Development, Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of Quito International Airport.

According to Aurelio Barría, Vice President of Motta Internacional, operator of Attenza, the current and future trend across the globe is the democratization of air transport. “Now travel is not just limited to persons with high purchasing power. Today passengers include students, middle class tourists and even people migrating in search of better opportunities. This obliges airports to diversify their offering of services in regards to brands, quality, price and customer service culture. This is why the step taken at Quito Airport is important”.

For Corporación Quiport, Attenza is one of its most important partners. “It is a Duty Free operator with a lot of prestige in Latin America and broad experience which allows it to identify new opportunities to expand its commercial offering and provide an improved selection of products to the passengers at Mariscal Sucre Airport, with very competitive prices for the region”, states Carlos Criado.

Aurelio Barría notes that Attenza offers special services for the greater comfort of passengers, such as pre-ordering and online shopping. “With pre-ordering, passengers can purchase their products at the international departures shop and collect them from the arrivals shop on their return. Whereas with online shopping, passengers can reserve items online at the attenza.net website and receive their goods before flying”, he explains.

Attenza offers perfumes, cosmetics and skincare, liquors, watches, jewellery, leather goods, sunglasses, bags, chocolates, electronic goods, clothes and toys, as well as providing employment to more than 150 people in the country.

Air operations will be suspended from 00:00 to 03:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 20 September.
The objective is to verify the performance of all entities involved in the emergency response.

On Tuesday, 20 September between 00:00 and 03:00 a.m., a general emergency drill will be held at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in order to verify the performance of all entities involved in the emergency response at the Airport. This is in accordance with the airport emergency plan and the provisions of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In effect, the emergency plan, DGAC Civil Aviation Technical Regulation RDAC113 and ICAO international standards provide for a general emergency drill to be held every two years involving all airport bodies and external support organizations (ECU911, Quito Fire Department, Red Cross, among others).

Given that it is a general drill it is necessary to temporarily suspend operations at Mariscal Sucre Airport. For this purpose, DGAC issued an official NOTAM (official notice to the aviation industry) reporting the closure from 00:00 to 03:00 a.m. local time on 20 September.

Due to the time of the exercise, the closure will only affect three flights: Avianca 457 arriving from San Salvador, Avianca 8377 from Bogota and LATAM 1448 from Lima. We ask passengers travelling on these flights to keep an eye on information regarding the rescheduling of the flights or to contact their airline for more information.

• With seven flights/week, LATAM Airlines Ecuador will begin operations from Quito to Buenos Aires, via Lima, and vice-versa.
• The inaugural flight left the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) at 08:30 a.m. and will arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) at 18:35, local time.
• Flights will be operated with Airbus A319 which incorporates state-of-the-art technology and the most modern wireless in-flight entertainment system.

Today LATAM Airlines Ecuador® made its first inaugural flight to Argentina’s capital city. The company began to operate its seven weekly frequencies from the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

“We are a truly Latin American airline and are proud to connect Ecuador with one of the major destinations in the region, Buenos Aires. We are increasing our offer with better schedules to travel to the Argentine capital”, Edgar Andrade, Commercial Manager of LATAN Airlines Ecuador, stated.

To celebrate the beginning of operations, Corporacion Quiport – concessionaire of the Mariscal Sucre Airport – and LATAM Airlines Ecuador offered a special event for the passengers of the flight that left Quito at 08:35 a.m. and is expected to arrive at 18:35 local time. The principal executives of both organizations participated in the event.

Andrew O’Brian, President and Director General of Corporacion Quiport, congratulated LATAM Airlines Ecuador for the inaugural flight and added: “The Quito-Buenos Aires route operated by LATAM demonstrates the airline’s confidence in the city as a destination and in the airport. Doubtless, it contributes to increase the connectivity of the Ecuadorian capital with more cities in Latin America.”

Flights are made in Airbus A-319 which incorporates state-of-the art technology and the most modern wireless in-flight entertainment system – LATAN Entertainment. Upon entering the application, passengers may have access to their favorite series and movies from their mobile devices during all phases of the trip. For more information about the system, click here.

About the operation:

LATAM Airlines Ecuador begins operations to Buenos Aires from the Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport with a flight that takes off at 08:35 and arrives in Buenos Aires at 18:35 (local time). The return flight will leave at 04:05 (local time) and will land in Quito at 11:00.

• Quito Airport has the country’s first center specializing in the rehabilitation and training of birds of prey.
• The Ministry of the Environment provided two birds of prey for rehabilitation and reintegration into their natural habitat.

Quito Airport received two vulnerable birds of prey which had been rescued in Sucumbíos Province by the Ministry of the Environment. On this occasion a King Vulture (sarcoramphus Papa) from the condor family with a wounded wing and an Osprey (pandion Haliaetus) that had had its feathers cut were taken in. These specimens entered the bird of prey rehabilitation center set up at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport, as part of its Wildlife Control Program which uses falconry as a principle method.

The rehabilitation center, the first specializing in birds of prey in Ecuador, is tailored to carry out various types of treatment for the recuperation of these birds thanks to its facilities, ample space and highly trained and specialized scientific and technical staff from the Faunaetus organization, hired by Quiport to manage Wildlife Control at the Airport.

The main objective when receiving a bird is to rehabilitate it and release it into its habitat. However, in some cases birds are taken in that have already had too much contact with humans and cannot be released. In these cases, the birds may be part of the Airport’s Wildlife Control Program, guaranteeing very favourable living conditions since they are able to fly and keep active, something which does not occur in, for example, zoos.

The birds that arrive to be rehabilitated at the Airport are treated with various techniques such as feather implants, weight gain and muscle-building. In the case of birds that cannot be released into the wild, these also receive training and deterrence techniques.

The rehabilitation process of the two rescued birds will last for approximately one month before they are reintegrated into their natural habitat.

Falconry is key to the safety of the Airport

On various occasions we have been able to observe majestic birds flying over the Airport, but what many people don’t know is that these birds have been trained to control airport safety through an effective method that aims to scare away small fauna using birds of prey.

This environmentally friendly discipline consists of training birds of prey to prevent other species from accessing the vicinity of the Airport and to guarantee the safety of operations which may be affected by the presence of fauna.

Falconry, a practice which has been used for centuries and whose origins date back to ancient China, has been quite effective given that the presence of birds around Quito Airport has been significantly reduced.

Currently, the Airport’s Wildlife Control Program has 11 birds that have been trained to discourage the presence of other species in a natural way, since if animals sense the presence of predators they will avoid the zone under the predator’s control, in this case the Airport.

Corporación Quiport, in charge of managing the Airport, introduced the program in 2013. There are only a few airports in the region that have falconry programs for controlling wildlife.

On Saturday, August 6, the Quito International Airport received a special visit from 29 aviation photography enthusiasts who enjoyed a cloudless morning and afternoon, perfect conditions for capturing impressive photographs with a wonderful view of Cotopaxi Volcano.

Spotting is the hobby of recording and photographing the aviation world (planes and airports). It is an activity that has developed over recent years in Ecuador and there is an ever increasing number of persons who share this interest.

During the morning the spotters set up on the southeastern perimeter and, taking advantage of the light at this time, achieved impressive shots with a cloudless background view of Cotopaxi Volcano.

After a short break, the participants returned in the afternoon to continue with their hobby, this time setting up on the southwestern perimeter to capture shots from a different viewpoint.

The event was organized by ‘Ecuador Aviation Photography’ and the visit is just one of several that have already taken place in recent years at Quito International Airport.

Corporación Quiport has given its support at all times to the participants, always guaranteeing the safety of the airport.

ExpoVivarium is on display until 31 December 2016 at Quito Airport Center, located in front of the Mariscal Sucre Airport passenger terminal. This is a space for learning and interaction allowing visitors to observe and learn to appreciate the diversity of reptile and amphibian fauna in Ecuador. The exhibition is part of an itinerant display that is permanently shown at the Quito Vivarium and has arrived at the airport thanks to the initiative of Quito Airport Center and Gustavo Orcés Herpetological Foundation.

At the exhibition, passengers and visitors of Quito Airport can observe a variety of amphibian and reptile species from the coast, highland and amazon regions of the country. Many examples have been rescued from illegal trafficking or from homes where they were kept as pets.

In addition to observing these species, visitors have the option to receive an environmental talk and at the end of the visit can have a photograph taken with one of the snakes.

The exhibition is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (Wednesday to Monday) on level 2 of the Quito Airport Center, where accessories and themed objects are also on sale such as jumpers, scarves, artisanal objects and books.

This type of initiative helps to bring different and novel experiences to visitors and passengers while encouraging informative activities and respect for nature, placing Quito Airport at the forefront of the airport industry.