The new eco-friendly airport is operational

Seymour of Baltra, Galapagos new eco-friendly airport, began its fully operations last week, after. at the end of the 2012, the arrival terminal was habilitated  with its services of migration and luggage delivery, public hall and the platform for buses. Until last week,  airport services were provided in the old terminal.

“Is it possible to receive up to 2,000 people per day; i.e., it would almost be 730 thousand people per year. Formerly, the annual passenger capacity were 300 thousand, which is now increased more than twice,”said the President of Ecogal and director for Latin America and the Caribbean of Corporación América, Ezequiel Barrenechea.

This ecological terminal which has 6,000 square feet was built in order to protect the vegetation and natural species of the island, as well as to also obtain the international certification LEED level gold, granted by the US Green Building Council, the body that granted the most important sustainable endorsement of the world.

For the construction of the new airport, some tools such as veneers and  wood boards of the previous building were reused; It has a special design that optimizes the island breeze and mitigates the sound of airplanes.

Likewise, it has a water reuse system and take advantage of sunlight and natural ventilation, so it has solar panels and photovoltaic, automatic blinds that move with sensors, light walls and high ceilings.

The construction of this airport had an estimated investment of 30 million dollars and involves more than 20 commercial activities between tour operators and craftsmen.