Santiago Airport (SCL), Chile : accelerating aviation decarbonisation in Latin America
Santiago Airport (SCL), Chile : accelerating aviation decarbonisation in Latin America
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is Chile’s primary air gateway. Operated by the Nuevo Pudahuel consortium (Aéroports de Paris, Vinci Airports, Astaldi), it plays a central role in regional connectivity.
With the completion of Terminal 2 (248,000 m²) in 2022, the airport doubled its infrastructure capacity to serve up to 38 million passengers per year—reflecting its ambition, not current volumes. This modernisation responds to rising passenger demand and Chile’s strong climate commitments under the COP25 agenda.
Partnership with Equans: a shared vision for sustainability
Since 2019, Equans has been a key operational partner for SCL. Together, we’ve built a reliable, energy-efficient foundation that supports the airport’s daily operations and long-term goals.
Our contribution is twofold:
- Integrated multi-technical maintenance, covering HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, minor civil works, and a centralised control and monitoring system (CCMS).
- Clean energy production, through the design and installation of a rooftop solar PV plant with 2,466 panels.
This collaboration is a clear example of how energy, engineering and airport performance can align to drive meaningful progress.
Environmental goals and impact
Our work with SCL goes beyond infrastructure. It contributes directly to Chile’s national sustainability strategy, delivering measurable results:
- Green electricity generation: 1.25 GWh annually
- CO₂ reduction: 482 tonnes per year
- Decreased reliance on fossil fuels, supporting Santiago’s role as host city for COP25
Each figure reflects our shared commitment to decarbonising airport operations — starting now.
Technical Focus: operational resilience and efficiency
Maintenance services scope
We ensure continuity and performance across essential systems:
- HVAC : terminal air distribution, filtration and climate control
- Electrical: power boards, lighting, and integration with the PV system
- Plumbing and civil works: including daily support and minor upgrades
- CCMS: real-time management of HVAC and lighting for better energy control
Photovoltaic system delivery
Equans handled the entire project, from engineering to commissioning:
- Installation of a rooftop 826 kWp solar PV system, covering 10,330 m²
- Delivery in just 6 months, without disrupting airport operations
- Full integration into the airport’s electrical infrastructure
This project reflects our ability to adapt global expertise to local realities, efficiently and without compromise.
Rethinking the airport of tomorrow, one project at a time
At Santiago, we’ve turned ambition into action — helping a major airport grow responsibly while reducing its environmental impact.
This isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about building trust, enabling change, and delivering real value to operators and passengers alike.
Because the journey to decarbonised aviation doesn’t begin in the sky — it begins on the ground.
