Aecon’s New Quito International Airport was named the “Leading Airport in South America” by World Travel Awards at a recent awards ceremony in Quito, Ecuador.
Aecon holds a 45.5% equity stake in Corporación Quiport, the concessionaire responsible for the development and operation of the airport. Quiport’s additional international partners include Brazil’s CCR S.A., Airport Development Corporation of Toronto, and HAS Development Corporation of Houston.
Known as “the Oscars of the travel industry,” World Travel Awards is an organization that acknowledges and rewards excellence across the international tourism sector. Voting for the annual awards program is open to both the public and members of the tourism industry, with over 500,000 ballots cast in 2013.
“Since first opening, the new Quito International Airport has been a catalyst for growth and international tourism, adding new direct routes to important cities including Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Madrid, and Mexico City,” said Steve Nackan, President, Aecon Concessions. “We are pleased to be recognized with this prestigious travel award for our efforts towards developing this modern airport for Ecuador.”
Officially opening to air traffic on February 20, 2013, the new airport is a symbol of progress for Ecuador, an economic engine that provides opportunities and employment for hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees. The airport saw 5.5 million passengers pass through its gates in 2013, including 44% of international tourists arriving in Ecuador through the airport.
“This award is the result of all the hard work we do at the Quito Airport. We built this Greenfield airport aiming to provide greater connectivity to Quito and to compete with larger airports in the region. Thanks to the vision, work, and commitment of all the companies and individuals that work at the airport today, we have been recognized as Leaders in South America,” said Andrew O’Brian, CEO of Corporación Quiport.
A 12% increase in international passenger traffic is pushing the development of the next phase of airport expansion, the addition of seven thousand square metres of pre-boarding facilities that will significantly increase capacity.
Aecon was previously awarded the International Business Award by the Canadian Construction Association for its role in achieving completion of the Quito International Airport.