São Paulo-Viracopos International Airport’s CEO, Luiz Küster, made some big claims during his Invest and Manage presentation during World Routes.

Viracopos was one of the first airports to be privatised in Brazil and is located in a region that creates 30% of the country’s GDP. Surrounded by large companies covering a range of industries, the airport is the largest cargo importer in Latin America, said Küster.

There are huge plans to expand the airport, including the construction of four runways and Küster claims once these are complete, Viracopos will be “the biggest and most important airport in Latin America”.

Recently confirmed as an ACI member, the airport broke ground on its NACO-designed terminal in December 2012 and aims to open the facility next May. The 145,000sqm terminal has 28 boarding bridges and 65 aircraft positions. A car park with space for 4,000 vehicles is planned to open in March. The terminal comprises three piers, built close to the runway to aid fuel economy.

Küster showed delegates images of the terminal’s construction so far, showing the progress made by 6,000 workers and a $1bn investment. He concluded: “The winds of change are coming into Brazil and into Viracopos. We await you with a red carpet, a warm coffee and great business opportunities.”