Ghafari Celebrates the Completion of Azul Airlines’ Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Viracopos International Airport
Sao Paulo, Brazil – Global architecture and engineering firm Ghafari Associates (Ghafari) is excited to announce the completion of the Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras (Azul) Aircraft Maintenance Center at Viracopos International Airport in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. A grand project in size, this facility is the largest MRO complex to be constructed in Brazil in the last 40 years.
“Ghafari is honored to have led the facility design and construction of this major capital investment in the Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras maintenance and engineering program,” said Jim Jobes, Ghafari Executive Vice President and Director of Brazilian Operations. “Working closely with the Azul team, we were able to achieve their commitment to the future of their operations, employees, and customer base.”
Ghafari provided architecture and construction management services for the development of the 377,000 SF MRO center, which provides both hangar and administrative operations. Strategically located near the highway, the facility sits as a landmark welcoming visitors to the airport.
As the complex is intended to serve as Azul’s main hub and its headquarters, the design team created a solution that accommodates the facilities’ various user groups while offering a cohesive look. The façade of the hangar and shops area is outfitted in blue metal cladding panels highlighting Azul´s brand while the main entrance and public areas are made up of concrete panels and cement board distinguishing them from the industrial portion of the facility. In order to provide natural light to office and shops areas, a window strip was placed along the entire façade. It turns into a translucent louver when it reaches the hangar area providing permanent natural light and ventilation.
Ghafari worked closely with project stakeholders and end users to plan a facility that would enhance their productivity and provide a safe working environment for Azul employees. As the hangar was designed to accommodate Azul’s current fleet and future growth, the design team collaborated with state and municipal authorities to update fire protection codes in order to develop a facility that meets local and international standards.
Now complete, the hangar improves Azul’s maintenance productivity through enhanced operating efficiencies. These improvements will translate into cost savings for the airline and a healthy work environment for their employees.
