Ultra Awarded Contract to Provide Airport Operational Systems to Viracopos International Airport in Brazil

Sept. 26, 2013
Ultra Electronics Airport Operations and Information Systems at Viracopos International Airport

September 23, 2013 -- Ultra Electronics announces that its Airport Systems business, based in Kansas City, MO, has been awarded a contract to provide a comprehensive suite of Airport Operations and Information Systems at Viracopos International Airport (VCP), in Campinas, Brazil.

This airport is about 99km north of São Paulo – Brazil’s largest metropolitan area – and serves as the hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines. Viracopos is undergoing significant expansion and will soon become the largest airport in South America. In the current cycle of planned investments, the existing passenger terminal is being renovated and a new terminal is being built which will result in a doubling of capacity for cargo and passenger traffic in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic games. In addition, the basic project and preparatory work to add a second runway (out of a total of three new ones) has already started.

Ultra’s work commences immediately under a subcontract with Johnson Controls to deploy, integrate and commission a full suite of Airport Operational Systems including Common Use Passenger Processing, Baggage Reconciliation, Flight Information Displays, a Resource Management System and an Airport Operational Database – as a comprehensive IT and Operational platform. The new systems will improve customer service and accommodate the rapid growth in air transport services being experienced throughout Brazil. Ultra’s systems will provide airport and airline staff with accurate operational information to optimize passenger, baggage and operational data flow through the airport. Viracopos will also enjoy reduced integration risks as new systems are introduced, as well improved automation, utilization and flexibility of key airport resources.

“Ultra is very proud to deepen our long and successful relationship with Johnson Controls and we are most grateful for this opportunity to establish a presence in Brazil,” stated Jim Houghton, Ultra’s Director of Business Development – Americas, “and our systems will help the new owners of Viracopos to realize their business plans.”

Viracopos International Airport is experiencing rapid growth and aspires to attract more international passenger traffic, in addition to their already leading cargo business. “Ultra’s airport operational systems will be at the heart of our airport and will accommodate the aggressive technical, financial and performance goals we have set”, stated Marcelo Mota, Viracopos’ Director of Operations and COO.

About Ultra Electronics Airport Systems

Ultra Electronics Airport Systems is one of the leading providers of Airport Information solutions, serving more than 100 airports worldwide. Ultra’s comprehensive suite of offerings in Airport Operational Systems, Passenger Processing Systems and Ground Handling/Baggage Systems, which can be delivered as integrated solutions or managed services, meet the key business drivers of airports, airlines and ground handling agents. These offerings help our worldwide customer base to meet their common objectives of improving customer service, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

About Viracopos International Airport

Viracopos International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Brazil. It is located about 22km away from the city of Campinas, a major trade and technology hub for the country. In February 2012, the Brazil Airports Consortium, consisting of TPI Triunfo Participacoes e Investimentos SA, UTC Holdings SA and France's EGIS Airport Operation, was awarded a 30-year concession for operating and maintaining the airport. The Brazil Airport Consortium will spend approximately US$5B towards the airport's improvements during the concession period, including a minimum of US$1B investment necessary before the FIFA World Cup 2014.