A new airport for Quito in November 2011 will improve connections and access to North America, Europe and the rest of Latin Amercia, with an increase in flight numbers and load factors.

The much heralded new international airport for Ecuador’s capital city will be a major aviation development not just for Quito, but for the Latin American region as a whole.

Located in the Tababela and Puembo areas, 25 kms east of Quito, the new airport will make Quito an even more attractive commercial proposition for international airlines looking to expand services into this fast developing region. Currently, the existing airport’s growth potential has been hampered by its altitude and short runway which has meant large aircraft can only take off with 60 per cent of their total capacity. In Tababela, aircraft will be able to take off with in excess of 90 per cent capacities due to the lower altitude (2400 metres above sea level) and the construction of a 4,100m long run-way.

Other airport facts:
* The new airport will have a capacity to receive more than four million passengers annually and will have a loading capacity of 270.000 tons
* The upgrades required to meet future demand will be implemented in stages throughout the years 2020 and 2030.
* The new airport extends over an area of 3700 acres, from which 1330 correspond directly to construction area
* The runway will have an average handling capacity of 44 operations per hour.
* Runways associated to two taxiways
* The passengers terminal area covers 38 000 square meters, with the corresponding services established by IATA regulations.
* Seven boarding gates for passengers. A capacity for 20 aircraft taxing spaces.
* 50 airline counters
* Extensive, modern, and secure parking areas for vehicles.
* Airport operations services with state-of-the-art technology.
* Security standards with closed circuits television, according to OACI regulations.

“Following the opening of our new airport, we expect to see business and leisure traffic to Quito and throughout the country grow substantially year-on-year,” said Luz Elena Coloma, Quito Turismo General Manager.

“Quito as a gateway city for the rest of Ecuador and indeed Latin America, will further boost the local economy as the city’s existing infrastructure is well adapted to capitalise on the business the new airport will deliver,” he/she added.

Quito’s new airport has been selected by CIFAL, a branch of the UN, as the best practice on environmental sustainability in the Americas which takes into account minimum impact on the environment; emissions and noise reduction; residual water treatment; flora and fauna protection and providing a positive economic impact in the community.

The new airport will open for business in November 2011.