Brazilian airport renovations to be completed by 2014 World Cup

By xinhuanet.com

Brazil's Civil Aviation Secretary Wagner Bittencourt said on Friday that the renovations in the country's airports for the 2014 FIFA World Cup are proceeding as scheduled. "The renovations are going ahead as scheduled to meet to the demands presented by the Cup," Bittencourt said. The secretary's statement contradicts a report released on Thursday by the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea), which stated that out of the 12 airports which are being renovated for the World Cup, nine would not be ready in time for the competition. According to Bittencourt, the government is studying strategies to speed up the projects, and one of the options foresees private investments in the airports. He stressed, though, that no decision has been made. Planning Minister Miriam Belchior agreed with Bittencourt that the renovations are going as expected. She said Brazil will not be ashamed of the airports in the World Cup. "As always, Brazil will do fine," she said. FIFA considered the state of Brazilian airports a critical point in Brazil's preparation to host the World Cup. The International Olympic Committee also expressed worry about the subject, as Rio will host the Summer Olympics in 2016.