BH Airport invests in electric cars and reinforces its commitment to the environment

The only carbon-neutral airport in Brazil, BH Airport advances its decarbonization efforts with the acquisition of four 100% electric cars for monitoring apron and runway operations. With an investment of approximately R$ 500,000, the new vehicles will replace traditional fossil fuel-powered models, contributing to a reduction of 30 tons of CO₂ per year in the atmosphere.

The vehicles are from the Chinese brand BYD, a leader in sustainable mobility technologies. With a range of 300 km, they feature instant torque, eco-leather seats, and high-tech onboard capabilities, including a 360-degree view and a rotating multimedia center. This investment reinforces BH Airport's commitment to innovate with sustainable practices, aligning its operations with the goal of achieving zero direct emissions by 2044.

BH Airport’s CEO, Daniel Miranda, highlights that this investment is another example of the airport’s initiatives for the environment. “We are at the forefront of environmental practices in the airport sector, investing in actions that combine innovation and operational efficiency, focusing on sustainable development and leaving a positive legacy for the local community and the world. We are very happy with this acquisition, which will contribute to an even cleaner and more responsible operation,” he emphasizes.

The most sustainable in Brazil

In recent years, BH Airport has stood out in Brazil and worldwide for its sustainable practices. In 2024, the Minas Gerais terminal was recognized for the second consecutive year as the most sustainable airport in Brazil by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). It also renewed its Level 3+ certification in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, reinforcing its position as the first and only carbon-neutral airport in Brazil. This year, BH Airport was also recognized, for the fourth consecutive time, as a Green Airport by the Airports Council International (ACI).

And it doesn't stop there. The 400HZ + PCA project, which replaces the use of fossil fuels with renewable electric energy during ground support activities for aircraft, earned BH Airport its latest recognition: the O Equilibrista award, further reinforcing the airport's purpose of continuing to foster a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility in the aviation ecosystem.

The award was presented by the Brazilian Institute of Finance Executives (IBEF-MG) earlier this month, recognizing BH Airport as the 2024 ESG Highlight Company for the pioneering project, which marks a milestone in the transition from kerosene and diesel to electricity in fueling aircraft parked at the airport. “In addition to helping avoid the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, the initiative promotes economic efficiency by reducing airline costs by up to 40%,” concludes the CEO.

Recognized for the third time with the Anac Sustainable Airport seal, BH Airport receives an award for outstanding social impact and emissions management

For the third consecutive year, BH Airport has been recognized with the Sustainable Airports seal from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). During the 6th Sustainable Airports Awards ceremony, held on Tuesday (July 8th) in Brasília, the terminal was recognized as a national highlight, among the largest, in the Society category—which evaluates corporate governance and social engagement of airports—and in the Externalities category—which evaluates the management of emissions and aeronautical noise at airports.

ANAC recognized the best practices of Brazilian airport operators amid the challenges of energy transition and climate change. A total of 37 initiatives were submitted. They were evaluated within the biennial period (2023/2024) and across three independent areas: airport social engagement (Society), management of energy consumption, water resources, and waste (Inputs), and management of emissions and noise (Externalities). During the event, 11 airports were recognized based on their operational profile and passenger traffic.

BH Airport's Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Emerson Chaves, celebrated the recognition, emphasizing that the issue is strategic for the terminal. "Sustainability is embedded in our operations, whether through the use of renewable energy, water reuse, waste recycling, or various initiatives to reduce pollutant gas and noise emissions. We are deeply honored by this award and thank ANAC for this important program, which encourages the improvement of environmental indicators and efficiency initiatives in the sector," he stated.

This is the third time BH Airport has been recognized as a Sustainable Airport by ANAC. In 2023 and 2024, when the award had a different format, recognizing a single airport, BH Airport was recognized as the Most Sustainable Airport in Brazil. The Minas Gerais international terminal is also the first carbon-neutral airport in the country through the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, in addition to having received the Green Airport designation four times in a row from the Airports Council International (ACI).

Social Engagement and Emissions Management

Awarded in the Society and Externalities categories, BH Airport has several initiatives that demonstrate its leadership in these areas. One example is the work carried out since 2014 with the Lagoa Santa Recyclable Materials Collectors Association (Ascamare), which is responsible for sorting and disposing of recyclable waste generated at the airport. In 2024, the milestone was 3,750 tons of waste collected, an achievement that reinforces the airport's socio-environmental pillar, as recycling contributes to reducing pollutant gas emissions and also directly benefits 22 families associated with the cooperative. Another example is the 400HZ + PCA project, which aims to replace fossil fuels with certified renewable electricity during aircraft ground support activities. Previously, this process was accomplished through kerosene fueling and diesel generators. Furthermore, BH Airport is investing in replacing its fleet: patrol motorcycles, ground operations vehicles, and apron inspection vehicles have already been converted to electric versions. In 2024, the terminal invested R$500,000 in four electric vehicles, which will contribute to a reduction of 30 tons of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere per year. The goal is to eliminate all direct emissions from BH Airport by 2044.

Science Day: BH Airport handled 1,200 tons of health-related cargo in the first half of 2025

On National Science and Researcher's Day, celebrated on July 8, BH Airport celebrates its contribution to the country's scientific advancement through the operation of its multimodal logistics hub, which plays a strategic role in the transportation of cargo from the Life Sciences sector. With a modern infrastructure prepared to receive this type of cargo, the airport is consolidating itself as one of the main entry and exit points for products essential for the development of science and health in Brazil.

In 2025, the Life Sciences segment represented 14% of all processes released at the Minas Gerais international terminal, being the most representative sector in terms of revenue and added value of cargo. In the first half of this year, more than 1,200 tons were moved in 2,626 logistics processes. Among the products that pass through the hub are medicines and their raw materials, in vitro diagnostic products, cosmetics and medical equipment. Size and weight vary: there are volumes under 1 kg, up to shipments weighing dozens of tons.

BH Airport's Commercial Manager, Geovane Medina, explains that the destination and origin of these loads are mainly pharmaceutical, in vitro diagnostic and medical equipment industries, transported by air and sea, with a strong concentration in the international air network. According to him, these are high value-added loads. One example is a shipment received this year with raw materials for the production of an oncology drug valued at R$30 million.

Geovane emphasizes that the multimodal logistics hub has a qualified structure to guarantee the ideal packaging of these loads, many of which are sensitive to temperature variations. “Today, BH Airport has six refrigerated equipment with the capacity to maintain thermal ranges between -18°C and 22°C, including humidity control of up to 70% in one of the ranges. All equipment undergoes a thermal qualification process, with sensors that guarantee constant maintenance of the required temperature, ensuring the integrity of the loads”, he states. For the manager, by ensuring safety and compliance in the storage and transportation of these products, BH Airport strengthens its role as a strategic link in the Life Sciences logistics chain. “We are talking about cargo that directly impacts people’s lives and the evolution of science in Brazil. Contributing to the efficient and safe logistics of these goods is part of BH Airport’s commitment to the country’s health and scientific development,” he highlights.

School holidays: BH Airport expects more than one million passengers in July

The high season has arrived: in July, the school vacation period, BH Airport is even busier with passengers embarking on family trips, school excursions and winter tourism. The expectation is that 1.1 million passengers will circulate through the terminal throughout the month of July, which represents a 2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. The period also requires greater demand from airlines, which are preparing 430 extra flights during the month. Among the most popular destinations are Porto Seguro, Salvador and Maceió.

According to BH Airport COO Rodrigo Côrtes, the terminal has a special operation during the high season with increased security teams and passenger support. He highlights that to bring even more agility to the boarding process and security procedures in the inspection channels (x-ray), BH Airport is implementing fast boarding. This is a priority flow for those who are carrying only one item (be it a suitcase, a bag or a backpack, for example). “Fast boarding is another solution we have implemented to make operations more efficient and more comfortable for passengers, especially during periods of high demand, such as school holidays. The entire operation is also designed to meet this increase in volume, which includes our commercial mix with over 100 operations, including restaurants, retail stores, VIP lounges and other services,” he says.

Among the new destinations in July is the Belo Horizonte – Bariloche route, which has just been inaugurated at the Minas Gerais international terminal. The operation is operated by Azul Linhas Aéreas on Airbus A320 aircraft, which accommodate up to 168 passengers. The route is seasonal and will include a total of 32 operations and 5,700 seats, with departures from Belo Horizonte on Wednesdays and Sundays, during the June to August season.

UAI Station at BH Airport doubles the number of services and strengthens the terminal's integration with Vetor Norte

Integrated into the structure of BH Airport, the Integrated Service Unit (UAI) Airport has established itself as an important access point to public services for the population of Vetor Norte and passengers in transit. Strategically located on the second floor of the terminal, the unit has seen significant growth in the number of services provided: more than 17,000 in 2024, double the number from the previous year. In 2025, more than eight thousand people were served between January and May.

BH Airport COO Rodrigo Côrtes talks about the importance of the service, which has been useful for a wide range of user profiles. This is because the unit is used by both residents of cities surrounding the airport and passengers, who schedule services in advance, taking advantage of their time at the terminal. “UAI’s presence at the airport is more than just a convenience: it’s part of our mission to offer passengers a complete journey and reinforce our social role by facilitating access to public services. In addition to UAI, BH Airport also has a post office, a commercial mix with over 100 operations, including restaurants, retail stores and VIP lounges, as well as a kids’ area and panoramic terrace,” he says.

The most sought-after service at UAI Aeroporto is the issuance of National Identity Cards (CIN), both the first and second copies. In addition, the post offers the issuance of criminal record certificates, the issuance of CIPTEA (Identification Card for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder), requesting and recovering access to the GOV.BR Account, re-registering inactive passengers (proof of life) and services related to driving and vehicles, with renewal of CNHs being especially sought after by airline crew members. With a team of 10 employees, the UAI Aeroporto station is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm. Service is provided by prior appointment, which can be made free of charge through the mg.gov.br portal or through the MG App. The unit is located on the 2nd floor of the terminal: in the elevator, just press button 1, which corresponds to the first level above the ground floor.