Science Day: BH Airport handled 1,200 tons of health-related cargo in the first half of 2025

On National Science and Researcher's Day, celebrated on July 8, BH Airport celebrates its contribution to the country's scientific advancement through the operation of its multimodal logistics hub, which plays a strategic role in the transportation of cargo from the Life Sciences sector. With a modern infrastructure prepared to receive this type of cargo, the airport is consolidating itself as one of the main entry and exit points for products essential for the development of science and health in Brazil.

In 2025, the Life Sciences segment represented 14% of all processes released at the Minas Gerais international terminal, being the most representative sector in terms of revenue and added value of cargo. In the first half of this year, more than 1,200 tons were moved in 2,626 logistics processes. Among the products that pass through the hub are medicines and their raw materials, in vitro diagnostic products, cosmetics and medical equipment. Size and weight vary: there are volumes under 1 kg, up to shipments weighing dozens of tons.

BH Airport's Commercial Manager, Geovane Medina, explains that the destination and origin of these loads are mainly pharmaceutical, in vitro diagnostic and medical equipment industries, transported by air and sea, with a strong concentration in the international air network. According to him, these are high value-added loads. One example is a shipment received this year with raw materials for the production of an oncology drug valued at R$30 million.

Geovane emphasizes that the multimodal logistics hub has a qualified structure to guarantee the ideal packaging of these loads, many of which are sensitive to temperature variations. “Today, BH Airport has six refrigerated equipment with the capacity to maintain thermal ranges between -18°C and 22°C, including humidity control of up to 70% in one of the ranges. All equipment undergoes a thermal qualification process, with sensors that guarantee constant maintenance of the required temperature, ensuring the integrity of the loads”, he states. For the manager, by ensuring safety and compliance in the storage and transportation of these products, BH Airport strengthens its role as a strategic link in the Life Sciences logistics chain. “We are talking about cargo that directly impacts people’s lives and the evolution of science in Brazil. Contributing to the efficient and safe logistics of these goods is part of BH Airport’s commitment to the country’s health and scientific development,” he highlights.

School holidays: BH Airport expects more than one million passengers in July

The high season has arrived: in July, the school vacation period, BH Airport is even busier with passengers embarking on family trips, school excursions and winter tourism. The expectation is that 1.1 million passengers will circulate through the terminal throughout the month of July, which represents a 2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. The period also requires greater demand from airlines, which are preparing 430 extra flights during the month. Among the most popular destinations are Porto Seguro, Salvador and Maceió.

According to BH Airport COO Rodrigo Côrtes, the terminal has a special operation during the high season with increased security teams and passenger support. He highlights that to bring even more agility to the boarding process and security procedures in the inspection channels (x-ray), BH Airport is implementing fast boarding. This is a priority flow for those who are carrying only one item (be it a suitcase, a bag or a backpack, for example). “Fast boarding is another solution we have implemented to make operations more efficient and more comfortable for passengers, especially during periods of high demand, such as school holidays. The entire operation is also designed to meet this increase in volume, which includes our commercial mix with over 100 operations, including restaurants, retail stores, VIP lounges and other services,” he says.

Among the new destinations in July is the Belo Horizonte – Bariloche route, which has just been inaugurated at the Minas Gerais international terminal. The operation is operated by Azul Linhas Aéreas on Airbus A320 aircraft, which accommodate up to 168 passengers. The route is seasonal and will include a total of 32 operations and 5,700 seats, with departures from Belo Horizonte on Wednesdays and Sundays, during the June to August season.

UAI Station at BH Airport doubles the number of services and strengthens the terminal's integration with Vetor Norte

Integrated into the structure of BH Airport, the Integrated Service Unit (UAI) Airport has established itself as an important access point to public services for the population of Vetor Norte and passengers in transit. Strategically located on the second floor of the terminal, the unit has seen significant growth in the number of services provided: more than 17,000 in 2024, double the number from the previous year. In 2025, more than eight thousand people were served between January and May.

BH Airport COO Rodrigo Côrtes talks about the importance of the service, which has been useful for a wide range of user profiles. This is because the unit is used by both residents of cities surrounding the airport and passengers, who schedule services in advance, taking advantage of their time at the terminal. “UAI’s presence at the airport is more than just a convenience: it’s part of our mission to offer passengers a complete journey and reinforce our social role by facilitating access to public services. In addition to UAI, BH Airport also has a post office, a commercial mix with over 100 operations, including restaurants, retail stores and VIP lounges, as well as a kids’ area and panoramic terrace,” he says.

The most sought-after service at UAI Aeroporto is the issuance of National Identity Cards (CIN), both the first and second copies. In addition, the post offers the issuance of criminal record certificates, the issuance of CIPTEA (Identification Card for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder), requesting and recovering access to the GOV.BR Account, re-registering inactive passengers (proof of life) and services related to driving and vehicles, with renewal of CNHs being especially sought after by airline crew members. With a team of 10 employees, the UAI Aeroporto station is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm. Service is provided by prior appointment, which can be made free of charge through the mg.gov.br portal or through the MG App. The unit is located on the 2nd floor of the terminal: in the elevator, just press button 1, which corresponds to the first level above the ground floor.

BH Airport launches seasonal route Belo Horizonte-Bariloche

Bariloche is now closer to Belo Horizonte: BH Airport began direct flights to the famous Argentine destination this Wednesday (25). The first passengers were greeted with welcome gifts and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The operation is operated by Azul Linhas Aéreas on Airbus A320 aircraft, which can accommodate up to 168 passengers. The route is seasonal and will include a total of 32 operations and 5,700 seats, with departures from Belo Horizonte on Wednesdays and Sundays, during the season from June to August.

BH Airport CEO Daniel Miranda points out that this is the airport's eighth international destination and the second in Argentina, which is a very popular destination at the terminal. "It is a pleasure to offer yet another international connection option, especially at this time of year when tourists seek cold weather destinations. The new route also reinforces our connection with Argentina and enhances the tourism potential of Minas Gerais, expanding opportunities for cultural exchange and economic development for both regions," he says. Azul's Senior Network Planning Manager, Beatriz Barbi, also celebrates the new route. "The launch of the operation is accompanied by an integrated itinerary organized by Azul Viagens, which is a complete destination with sports, gastronomy, natural beauty and the charm of the city. Also in the equation, we have ease with the language and proximity to Brazil. Now, the direct connection via Belo Horizonte will make it easier not only for Minas Gerais residents, but for all flights that dock at our hub," she said.

Bariloche is one of the most sought-after destinations by Brazilians in the winter season, as it is a place with snow and ski resorts, in addition to several tour options to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Andean lakes.

With this new route, BH Airport reaches eight international destinations. In addition to Bariloche, the Minas Gerais international terminal offers routes to Buenos Aires (Argentina); Panama City (Panama); Fort Lauderdale (USA); Lisbon (Portugal); Orlando (USA); Santiago (Chile) and Willemstad (Curaçao).

Nature-based education: Motiva launches largest private program in municipal schools with support from BH Airport

Motiva, the largest mobility infrastructure company in Brazil, has just launched – through its Institute and with the support of BH Airport – the largest private program to promote nature-based education in the country. Called Nature-Based Schools, the initiative offers free ongoing training and teaching materials to elementary school teachers and administrators in municipal schools throughout the country. The program, which has the Crescer Institute and the Alana Institute as educational partners, is already present in 280 cities in the five regions of Brazil, benefiting more than 3.5 million teachers and 170 thousand students indirectly.

Aligned with the National Education Plan (PNE), the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) and the National Environmental Education Policy (Law No. 14,926/24), one of the initiative's goals is to expand and strengthen the concept of Nature-Based Education in Brazilian schools. The program trains educators to develop pedagogical practices that place nature at the center of student learning. The 40-hour course is 100% distance and online and is open to any educator in the country.

During the course, teaching professionals are introduced to the fundamentals of Nature-Based Education, the concept of the climate crisis and its impacts on education, and the importance of contact with nature for the integral development of students. In addition, the course encourages educators to reflect on how to integrate nature-based solutions into the school environment and to discuss the reality of Brazilian schools, as well as to develop a practical project on how the concepts can be applied in educational institutions. The course and teaching materials will be available free of charge starting in June, through the website: www.escolasebn.com.br.

The development of the program is based on the diagnosis that education in Brazil lacks a greater connection with nature. Research conducted by MapBiomas, the Alana Institute and Fiquem Sabendo, released at the end of last year, showed that four out of 10 schools do not have green areas, that 1.5 million students study in educational institutions that do not have squares and parks within a radius of approximately 500 meters and that six out of 10 schools are located in territories that are at least 1º Celsius above the average temperature of their capitals. Another alarming fact revealed by the survey is that 370 thousand children study in areas at risk of disasters, such as landslides and floods (access the full study here).

Raising awareness, experiencing and influencing

Based on the premise that schools play a central role in connecting children with the environment and in building new climate solutions, the program was structured in three phases: raising awareness (2025), experiencing (2026) and influencing (2027). In the first stage, the goal is to introduce the concept of Nature-Based Education and develop the connection between educators and students with nature, through distance learning courses and games, projects and educational proposals that raise awareness of the topic.

In the second stage, in 2026, students are encouraged to propose solutions to climate challenges through hackathons and other practical methodologies. In the last phase, the initiative foresees the mobilization of schools and communities to implement environmentally impactful actions in their areas, in connection with the concept of sustainable cities.

“The CCR Institute’s mission is to be a driver of the development of inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Brazil. To face the major challenges of urban centers, investing in education is a key element due to its multiplier effect. Investing in schools and education means building a less unequal future with more opportunities for all. Through Nature-Based Schools, we are helping to overcome the current challenges of education in Brazil and helping to develop citizens who are protagonists in the climate agenda,” says the president of the CCR Institute, Renata Ruggiero.

Nature-Based Schools Award

To expand the program’s reach and attract new schools and more educators, the Nature-Based Schools Award will be launched, which will recognize five public schools that already participate in the program and have outstanding projects in environmental education. In total, the award will allocate R$500,000 to carry out the projects in schools, with the support of pedagogical mentoring, technical advice and specialized consultancy in sustainable school architecture. Applications for the award are scheduled for June, and the winning schools are expected to be announced in July. The goal is to recognize initiatives that transform the school environment, such as the creation of naturalized playgrounds that have, for example, spaces connected to the biomes of the territories, furniture made with natural materials, rain gardens, vegetable gardens with intentionality.

The launch of the Nature-Based Schools project took place during the fourth edition of TEDx Amazônia, which was held in Belém (PA) between June 6 and 8. Motiva, through its Institute, was one of the sponsors of the event, which aimed to promote reflections on the paths to preserving the Amazon and the planet.

“The concept of Nature-Based Education (NBE) proposes a transformation in pedagogical practices, in school spaces and their surroundings", says Paula Mendonça, education specialist at the Alana Institute. "The idea is to make the school environment a driver of climate adaptation and resilience actions, linked to curricular strategies that prioritize access to Nature, invest in creating a bond between students and it and in skills that prepare them to seek solutions to complex socio-environmental challenges", says Paula Mendonça, specialist in education, nature and culture of children at the Alana Institute.

Reformulation of Pathways to Citizenship

Nature-Based Schools was created by reformulating the former Pathways to Citizenship program, an initiative launched in 2002 by Motiva. The change in the scope of the initiative is linked to the new role of the CCR Institute, which will direct its efforts towards the theme of sustainable cities and communities. In 2024, Pathways to Citizenship, which focused on Citizenship Education, impacted 6,014 educators in 1,700 schools in 280 municipalities, indirectly benefiting 176,970 elementary school students. The reformulation of Pathways to Citizenship and the launch of Nature-Based Schools are part of the R$71 million investment that the CCR Institute will allocate to long-term social impact projects from 2025. In 2024, the year in which it completed 10 years of history, the entity contributed a record amount of R$72.1 million, a growth of 33.5% compared to 2023.

The Nature-Based Schools course and teaching materials will be available free of charge on the website: www.escolasebn.com.br.