Brasília International Airport, Brazil

On August 5 2016 the Brazilian people will welcome the world into their homes once more, as the Olympic torch will be lit to open the Rio Olympic Games, two years after the city hosted the second most watched sporting spectacle, the FIFA World Cup.

The hosting of international football’s premier competition in 2014 put in place many of the logistical preparations needed to host such a colossal global event, and the same network of roads and transport links will facilitate the Olympic Games in Rio; the first Games to ever be hosted on the continent.

Brazil invested $17bn into its mass transit networks in preparation for hosting of the World Cup and the Olympic Games, to ensure that the country could cope with the millions of visitors set to jet in to enjoy the summer of sport.

Seating design and configuration was considered a priority as part of the terminal designs for two of the country’s key airports, Brasilia International Airport (Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport) and Greater Natal International Airport (Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport). As such, a bespoke solution was required to meet the unique needs.

In a deal signed with InfraAmericas - which works to develop emerging infrastructure investment opportunities across Latin America - Zoeftig was chosen to supply 8000 of its innovative Zenky seats for the two airports, with its reputation for innovation and excellence, and its global portfolio central to the decision.

This most recent partnership with InfraAmericas is the latest in a line of many projects Zoeftig has delivered with the group, supplying seating solutions to airports across Latin America, notably Carrasco International Airport (Uruguay), Aeroporto Internacional Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignett (Peru), Coronel FAP Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport (Peru) and Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (Peru). Zoetig has also worked with other key partners in the region for the delivery of other Latin American projects, including with the Lima Airport Partners for the supply of Jorge Chávez International Airport (Peru).

The company has supplied many of the world’s leading airport terminals across every major continent, and has invested heavily in what it considers key growth areas in emerging markets, with Latin America now integral to the company’s global plans.

The first airport Zoeftig supplied was Brasilia International Airport, which serves the country’s capital city and underwent a $306m upgrade to meet the increased demands in passenger throughput, comfort and security, ready for welcoming the millions of people set to descend on Brazil for the events.

The second installation as part of Zoeftig’s supply deal was Greater Natal International Airport in Rio Grande do Norte, which was a key transit access route for the main venues at the FIFA World Cup.

Zoeftig’s Zenky range was specified as a perfect solution to meet the needs of both airports, addressing the need to marry comfort and robustness with aesthetic beauty. The models were selected in standard and recliner models and finished in stunning green upholstery – a nod to Brazil’s national colours.

The influence and appeal of British design and engineering is spreading across Latin America, and thanks to these most recent installations, Zoeftig is now considered the leading light in bespoke airport seating design in the region, with its range of seating solutions perfectly suited to meet the demands and unique requirements of this burgeoning market.

Keen to solidify its position ahead of the Brazilian installations, Zoeftig set down permanent roots in the territory by opening a new satellite office in the capital, allowing the company to harness and develop relationships.

This local global approach has proven successful elsewhere too, with similar satellite offices opened in Atlanta (serving USA, Canada and the Caribbean), Dubai (serving the MENA) and a new facility in Kuala Lumpur (serving the Far East), opened in 2015. Zoeftig’s understanding of local practices and requirements has resulted in installations that suit the individual needs of its passengers and help to future proof terminal seating.