Ecuador opens new markets with state-of-the-art airport

As of the end of February, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is home to a newly constructed airport, by way of which the country can now export its flowers directly, as well as to various new markets.

The state-of-the-art airfield, called Mariscal Sucre International Airport just like the one it replaces, provides the Ecuadorians with many advantages compared to the old situation. Having to make a stopover to refuel is now a thing of the past, for example. The old airport also featured a very short runway and was situated at a high altitude, complicating landing and take-off procedures.

The new Mariscal Sucre International, by contrast, features the longest runway in all of South America: 4100 meters. It is situated a little outside of the capital, providing for much more room to expand, but remains very close to Quito’s urban conglomerate which depends on its function as a transport hub. Importantly, it also comes with modern, streamlined facilities for the processing of cut flowers, which will help cut down on damage during transport.

Ecuadorian flower farmers can thus henceforth transport their produce directly to Madrid, Sao Paulo, New York or Amsterdam, a change that will likely affect freight rates and international competition.

The new cargo center still has to be finished, unfortunately, so growers will have to make do with the old airport for just a little longer.

Constructing the new Mariscal Sucre International cost a hefty 630 million dollars (484 million Euro).

Source: VvdB / Florint