09 Oct 2016

QUIPORT APPOINTED FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF ACI-LAC

  • 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.

03 Oct 2016

MARISCAL SUCRE AIRPORT IS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS INCLUSIVE FACILITIES AND MANAGEMENT

  • 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.

30 Sep 2016

THE RENOVATED ATTENZA DUTY FREE SHOP IN INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS OFFERS A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR PASSENGERS

  • 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.

18 Sep 2016

MARISCAL SUCRE AIRPORT WILL HOLD A GENERAL EMERGENCY DRILL

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.

12 Sep 2016

LATAM AIRLINES ECUADOR’S INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO BUENOS AIRES FROM THE QUITO MARISCAL SUCRE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  • 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.

15 Aug 2016

RESCUED BIRDS OF PREY ARE REHABILITATED AT QUITO AIRPORT

  • 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.

10 Aug 2016

AVIATION PHOTOGRAPHY AT MARISCAL SUCRE

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.

01 Aug 2016

NEW EXHIBITION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS AT QUITO 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.

14 Jul 2016

HOTEL WYNDHAM QUITO AIRPORT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED

  • The presence of the hotel just a few meters from the airport passenger terminal will broadly benefit users, passengers and airlines.
  • The Wyndham Quito Airport—financed, constructed and operated by Pronobis—has 150 modern and spacious rooms.

This morning, the Hotel Wyndham Quito Airport was officially inaugurated at a ceremony attended by authorities and special guests. In a speech Mrs. Isabel Noboa Pontón, President of Consorcio Nobis, described the work as “a marvellous building that is a visual delight from any angle you look at it and from now on it is a technological benchmark in terms of construction, comfort and service”. The new hotel is characterized by its impressive architectural structure that evokes the majesty of the Andean Condor with wings outstretched, a national symbol of the country.

Mrs. Noboa said she was “very pleased on this occasion to contribute to the progress and development of the country through the production and creation of new jobs” and emphasised the role of Quiport as a strategic partner that actively participated throughout the development of the project.

The presence of the hotel just a few meters from the airport passenger terminal will broadly benefit users, passengers, airlines and other players in the air transport industry. Additionally, it provides an unbeatable lodging option for passengers who must connect to other flights in less than one day, as well as for flight crew.

Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, concessionaire of Mariscal Sucre Airport, explained that “the need for a first-rate hotel on the airport’s land was identified by Corporación Quiport since the initial stages of the new Quito International Airport project. With the inauguration of the Hotel Wyndham Quito Airport, the Quito Airport City will continue to grow to complement the services offered at the airport terminal”.

The Hotel Wyndham Quito Airport—financed, constructed and operated by Pronobis—has 150 modern and spacious rooms, each one with satellite TV, individual climate control, mini-bar and private bathroom. Various additional services are also available such as Wi-Fi, laundry, parking, and a fitness centre with a gym, jacuzzi, steam room and massage service.

The building, designed to offer a first-rate service, also boasts a modern lobby with welcoming rooms. During their stay, guests may enjoy excellent national and international gastronomy in the panoramic restaurant, the bar or, if they prefer, in the comfort of their rooms 24 hours a day.

The hotel´s six event rooms and three banquet rooms with a capacity for up to 300 people are ideal for all kinds of events, meetings or conferences. These facilities are complemented by a modern and functional Business Centre.

Mr. O’Brian thanked the teams at Quiport and Pronobis who from the start have shared a vision to work together on a world-class project, and also thanked the Mayor of Quito, Mr. Mauricio Rodas, and Quito Turismo, Empresa Pública Metropolitana de Servicios Aeroportuarios and central government authorities for their unconditional support for the consolidation of this important work.

Quito Airport has just won South America’s Leading Airport for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards 2016 held in early July, and the support of Corporación Quiport´s strategic partners such as Pronobis has undoubtedly been fundamental in achieving this recognition.

02 Jul 2016

MARISCAL SUCRE AIRPORT CONFIRMS ITS LEADERSHIP IN SOUTH AMERICA

More information: Luis Galárraga
Telephone: 395-4200, ext. 2906
0995-029-525

  • Quito Airport received a World Travel Award for the third consecutive year.
  • The awards are regarded as the Oscars of the tourism industry.
  • Corporación Quiport works on several fronts to continuously improve the levels of service provided to the users and passengers of the airport.

Lima, 02 July 2016. For the third year running, Mariscal Sucre International Airport won the World Travel Award in the category of South America’s Leading Airport. These awards are regarded as the Oscars of the tourism industry given that they are the most prestigious awards on a global scale in this area of activity.
At a gala ceremony which took place on Friday, 1 July at the Swissôtel in Lima, Perú, Andrew O’Brian, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport (concessionaire of Mariscal Sucre Airport) accepted the trophy which confirms Quito Airport as a Leader in South America.
This award rewards the work carried out by Mariscal Sucre Airport on three principal fronts: increasing connectivity, improving services and operating with the highest security standards, with very satisfactory results which are acknowledged by our passengers and by the industry.

“For a third time we have achieved recognition as leaders in South America and this achievement is not the fruit of chance but the result of well-planned work characterized by innovation in the management of the airport, commitment to the development of the city and excellent service to our passengers”, stated Andrew O’Brian, adding that “this award belongs to the city and the country, but also to all those who in one way or another provide services at Quito Airport”.
He added that this new honour, far from being an end, obliges Quiport to renew its commitment to maintain and exceed the highest standards of operation and service of the airport industry. “Today we are very happy with what we have achieved, however, tomorrow we will be working on seeking new opportunities to continue improving, not to win an award, but because the city and our passengers deserve it”, he concluded.

The World Travel Awards rewards positive contributions to the development of the tourism sector on a local and international scale in each of the categories. A winner is chosen by means of a voting process open to the public on a global scale, and votes cast by verified travel professionals carry a weighting of two.