BRT Lounges invests in the democratization of VIP lounges at airports and plans to open 13 Lounges in 2024

The event was attended by representatives from IATA (International Air Transport Association), airlines, hotels, gastronomy, insurance services, among others.

BRT Lounges executives explained that the new venture's projection is to open 13 VIP Lounges in Brazil in 2024, totaling an investment of R$30 million throughout the year. The first 3 Lounges will open their doors to travelers in the first two months of 2024 at Sinop and Cuiabá airports, in Mato Grosso; and Porto Seguro, in Bahia. The investment in these first three VIP Lounges totals R$5 million.

The partner and CEO of BRT Lounges, André Luiz Macias, states that Brazil is starting to democratize VIP lounges at airports. “Only 15% of travelers are eligible to use them. Our purpose is to open VIP lounges in all airports with viable operations in Brazil and Latin America”, points out the executive, who is betting on 5% growth in the airline sector in 2024.

“Today we have found a market niche to deliver a differentiated service in Brazilian Lounges, always focused on service and quality. We have our feet on the ground to offer an excellent service. We also offer the Fast Track service – a priority service channel for the most demanding passengers. It is a channel that will bring benefits to passengers and airports”, said the CEO of BRT Lounges.

Eraldo Palmerini, president of the BRT Group, highlighted that the airport lounge segment is directly related to the company's core business and that they already have experience in the field since the arrival of the VIP lounges. “We are always looking for new business. Because we believe in the growth of tourism, we will invest R$30 million in this lounge market.”

Palmerini points out that Lounges represent a new business that combines selected products, personalized environments, highly trained professionals and excellent service. “We are in negotiations to close three more Lounges and we are talking to all airports in Latin America. This year was very good and we believe in the expansion of tourism”.

According to ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), Brazil has 161 commercial airports in regular operation and around 130 VIP lounges for national and international travelers - 50 of them are at the airports of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This year, the airports operating in the country expanded in the cities of Tocantins, Maranhão, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Ceará.

Marco Aurélio Di Ruzze, vice-president of the BRT Group, highlights that Lounges offer travelers experiences with quality and creativity. “It is a new concept of experience that connects quality gastronomy, regional products, luxury furniture and excellent service. It also offers a support and service network to tourism agencies that are BRT clients.”

The cuisine in the VIP Rooms inspires a journey through the flavors of each destination. André Luiz Macias highlighted that the VIP Rooms will feature wine lists designed by the traditional partner restaurant Vino!, which has 52 units in the country. The curation will be carried out by the house's specialist, Raphael Zanette, who promises unique experiences. “We will bring to the Lounges good wines from around the world, from small producers that represent their regions, histories and traditions.”

The CEO of BRT Lounges states that the 3,500 monthly travel agencies the group works with and the partnerships with airlines are major differentiators. “The company's proposal is to contribute to the expansion of VIP lounges without losing excellence in services. We are going to implement a new concept in airport service. Let’s climb with safety and credibility”, celebrates André Luiz Macias.