PUBLICIDADE

= English

Foz do Iguaçu looks for new flights in event

Gilmar Piolla, Secretary of Tourism, Industry, Commerce and Strategic Projects, participated in the 11th edition of Routes Americas 2018, the most important civil aviation industry fair in the Americas, which began yesterday (13) and goes until February 15, in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The event brings together representatives from 80 airlines, 150 airports and 35 tourist destinations.

According to the secretary, accompanied by representatives of Infraero and Promo Inteligência Turística, a consultancy contracted by the Integrated Management of Tourism, participation in Routes Americas is “an opportunity to strengthen relationships with airlines, negotiate codeshare agreements and attract new flights to the destiny”.

Foz do Iguaçu is the only Brazilian tourist destination to attend the event. “We have 14 meetings scheduled with airlines that show interest in knowing our potential,” says Piolla.

Attracting more flights from South American and Central American countries to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport is one of the biggest challenges to increase the flow of foreign tourists. According to Piolla, the expansion of seats will result in a reduction in the cost of air tickets and, consequently, will allow more foreign tourists to come to the destination. With the increase of tourist flow, there will be a positive impact on the local economy.

“Focus is to improve our air connectivity with countries in South America and Central America, which is what the current runway of our airport allows us at the moment, but we will already start flights prospecting flights to North America and European countries, as we have the prospect of expanding the airport runway from 2,195 to 3,000 meters, “he says.

Piolla is optimistic about the negotiations involving Copa Airlines for launching, this year, a direct flight linking Foz do Iguaçu to Panama City. “The Copa Hub in Panama will connect us directly with Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. With the implementation of the electronic visa for tourists from the United States and Canada, it will be an important link for these markets,” he believes.

Potential

According to Infraero, the International Airport of Foz do Iguaçu recorded a record turnover last year, with a 17.64% increase in the number of shipments and landings in relation to 2016, being the largest of the 30 main airports in Brazil. 2.1 million passengers in 2017. This number shows an above-average growth among Brazilian airports, which grew 2% to 5%.

The terminal currently operates an average of 27 daily flights and is capable of receiving up to 2.8 million passengers per year. Passenger terminal will be repaginated this year and will receive the long-awaited fingers.

Photo: Christian Rizzi

PUBLICIDADE