The Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport in Santarém, located in the western part of Pará, Brazil, has been selected for a share of a R$ 5.7 billion investment package aimed at improving and expanding airport infrastructure. This announcement came during a ceremony at the Palácio do Planalto, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, various government officials, and representatives of Aena Brasil. This initiative highlights the federal government's commitment to enhancing transportation facilities in the region.

Significantly, the investment will cover various sources of funding beyond just the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), with an emphasis on the importance of interconnected development across Brazil's airport infrastructure. Santiago Yus, CEO of Aena Brasil, expressed during the event that the airport improvement projects, including those in Pará, are expected to be completed by July, marking a vital step in modernizing aviation facilities and increasing capacity to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.

This planned expansion comes at a time when improving regional connectivity and boosting the local economy are crucial. With Pará being the state with the highest number of airports included in this program, the government’s focus on enhancing air transport not only connects remote parts of the country but is also poised to encourage tourism and economic growth in the Amazon region, ultimately benefitting local communities.