Sao Paulo Catarina Airport

São Paulo Catarina Airport is not merely an air gateway, but an exclusive hub for business and private aviation in Brazil. Located in a strategically advantageous position, it offers the highest level of comfort and privacy for the most discerning travellers. This modern complex was designed from scratch to ensure fast and flawless service, bypassing the hustle and bustle of major commercial airports. Here, every detail, from elegant lounges to prompt service, is dedicated to one goal — making your journey as convenient as possible.

The key advantage of São Paulo Catarina Airport is its exclusive specialisation in business aviation, making it the first international airport in Brazil created specifically for this segment. Travellers value it for its strategic location — just 35 minutes by helicopter or about an hour by car to the business districts of São Paulo. The modern runway, nearly 2.5 km long, allows for the reception of even the largest intercontinental jets. Furthermore, the airport offers first-class FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) services, including luxurious lounges, meeting rooms, and concierge services, and most importantly, it ensures maximum speed and privacy, reducing pre-flight formalities to a minimum.

• Official airport website: spcatarina.com.br
• Information desk phone: +55 (11) 4130-4870
• Airport address: Rodovia Presidente Castello Branco, Km 62, São Roque/Araçariguama — SP, 18130-000, Brazil
• Email: concierge@spaec.com.br
• Airport social media: Official pages can be found on Instagram and LinkedIn by searching for "São Paulo Catarina Aeroporto Executivo"
• Lost luggage information: Since the airport serves private aviation, for forgotten items, please contact the concierge service directly via the main phone number or your flight operator.
• Passenger support contact: +55 (11) 93439-9231 (Also available on WhatsApp, 24/7)

São Paulo Catarina Airport (São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport) is a modern private airport located in the city of Araçariguama, approximately 60 km from the centre of São Paulo. It specialises in serving business and private aviation. Since the airport is located outside the metropolis, planning your route there has its own nuances. Here are the main ways to reach the air harbour.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. A trip from the central districts of São Paulo via the Rodovia Presidente Castelo Branco highway will take approximately 60–90 minutes, although travel time depends heavily on traffic conditions. You can use mobile apps popular in Brazil (such as Uber, 99) or services of companies offering private transfers. This option is the most comfortable, especially for travellers with luggage, though it is the costliest.

Car Rental and Parking

Renting a car offers maximum flexibility and freedom of movement, which is particularly convenient for business trips. There are many international and local rental agencies operating in São Paulo. You should drive along the SP-280 highway (Rodovia Presidente Castelo Branco), taking the exit at kilometre 62. The territory of São Paulo Catarina Airport features modern and secure parking, offering both short-term and long-term parking options. This is a convenient option for those arriving and departing by private or rented transport.

Public Transport

There is no direct public transport connection, such as a metro or special shuttle bus, from São Paulo to Catarina Airport. This method is the most budget-friendly but also the most arduous. It involves a combined route: first, you must take an intercity bus from the Terminal Barra Funda bus station in São Paulo to the city of Araçariguama. Upon arrival in the city, you will need to take a local taxi to travel the remaining few kilometres to the airport. The entire journey may take more than 2.5 hours and is not recommended if you have large luggage or limited time.

São Paulo Catarina Airport (JHF) is a modern airport specialising exclusively in serving private and business aviation. Unlike large commercial hubs, its structure is aimed at maximum speed, comfort, and privacy for passengers.

The airport operates one modern terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Its design and layout have been thought out to the smallest detail to minimise the time spent on pre-flight and post-flight formalities. The terminal layout is intuitively clear: there are no long corridors or confusing transitions, making navigation extremely simple.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located within a single compact building. Upon arrival, passengers quickly proceed from the aircraft steps through passport and customs control (if necessary) to the exit, where transport awaits them. The departure process is also maximally optimised: check-in counters, the security screening zone, and comfortable lounges are located in immediate proximity to one another.

The main feature of the terminal is a personalised approach and the highest level of service. Passengers have access to private waiting lounges, meeting rooms, concierge services, and exclusive catering. Because the airport focuses on a small passenger flow, check-in and screening procedures occur incredibly quickly — often the entire process from entering the terminal to boarding the aircraft takes just 15–20 minutes.

No special advice is required for navigating Catarina Airport — its compactness and logical layout eliminate the possibility of getting lost. Airport staff are always ready to assist and escort passengers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

São Paulo Catarina Airport (JHF) is one of the most modern and ambitious aviation projects in Brazil, with a history that began quite recently. The airport was officially opened on 16 December 2019. It became the country's first private international airport built from scratch and intended exclusively for business and executive aviation. The project was initiated and owned by JHSF, a renowned Brazilian developer in the luxury real estate and retail sector.

The primary goal of creating the airport was to meet the growing demand for business aviation services in the São Paulo metropolis and to relieve its main air gateways — Guarulhos and Congonhas. From the very beginning, the airport was created according to the highest global standards. It received a runway 2,470 metres long, capable of accommodating large long-haul business jets. Already in 2020, the airport received permission from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to operate international flights, which became a key stage in its development.

The main achievement of Catarina Airport is its status as the first and only 100% private international airport in Brazil. Thanks to its infrastructure, it can service aircraft such as the Bombardier Global 7500 and Gulfstream G650, allowing for non-stop flights from São Paulo to New York, London, or Dubai. This has set a new standard of comfort and efficiency for business travellers in the region.

Interesting fact: the site for construction in the municipality of Araçariguama, approximately 60 km from São Paulo, was not chosen by chance. This location is distinguished by more favourable weather conditions compared to the state capital, which significantly reduces the number of flight cancellations or delays due to fog. The airport also includes modern hangars, a VIP terminal, and all necessary infrastructure for customs and immigration control, offering clients maximum privacy and speed of service.

São Paulo Catarina Airport (JHF) is a modern executive airport focused on private and business aviation. The level of service here corresponds to the highest standards, ensuring passengers maximum comfort, privacy, and efficiency.

Available to travellers are exclusive waiting lounges (FBO), which offer private zones for relaxation and work. Instead of traditional food courts, exquisite restaurants and premium catering services are available here, as well as cosy cafés. For shopping enthusiasts, luxury brand boutiques are open.

For business people, the airport offers excellent conditions for work. Free high-speed Wi-Fi and numerous device charging stations are available throughout the territory. Guests can utilise fully equipped conference halls and meeting rooms to hold meetings directly before departure or immediately after arrival.

The airport is fully equipped for the comfortable stay of all categories of passengers. Special services and full accessibility are provided for travellers with reduced mobility. Families with children can count on separate mother and child rooms and necessary assistance from staff. In case of need, a medical point is available at the airport to provide first aid.

Although there are no hotels within the airport territory itself, several high-class hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, transfers to which can be ordered through the airport concierge service. Banking services and assistance with financial matters are also provided upon request.

São Paulo Catarina Airport (JHF) is an executive class airport serving private and business aviation. Consequently, dining options here differ from those found in large commercial airports. Instead of a noisy food court with numerous chain establishments, passengers are offered a more secluded and premium atmosphere.

Typically, the main terminal (FBO) houses one high-class restaurant or lounge café. This establishment is designed for comfortable waiting in a calm environment. Here you can hold a business meeting or simply relax before your flight. The main establishments are located in the so-called "clean zone" (airside), accessible to passengers after passing through security.

The menu usually includes international and Brazilian dishes prepared from quality ingredients. It is highly recommended to try the famous Brazilian coffee, which is served here at its best. For a light snack, fresh pastries, sandwiches, or traditional cheese buns known as pão de queijo are perfect. For a full lunch or dinner, you can order exquisite meat or fish dishes with local flair.

Given the high level of service, the staff is generally ready to accommodate guests with special dietary needs. There is a high likelihood of finding vegetarian dishes, and gluten-free options can be prepared upon request. As for prices, they correspond to the premium status of the airport and are in the medium to high range. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule and the airport's operating hours.

Thus, if you are short on time, the best choice would be a cup of excellent coffee with fresh pastries. If time permits, it is worth enjoying a full meal in the elegant and calm atmosphere of the restaurant. All dining options are conveniently located in one terminal, which eliminates the need for a long search for a suitable place.

To ensure your journey through São Paulo Catarina Airport is flawless, it is worth considering several features of this exclusive aviation centre in the city of Araçariguama. It is designed to ensure maximum comfort, privacy, and efficiency, so standard advice here gives way to a personalised approach.

Coordination with FBO: The key to an ideal journey is advance coordination with your operator or FBO (Fixed-Base Operator). Inform them in advance of all details of your schedule, ground handling requirements, and special requests. Your personal manager will take care of all formalities, allowing you to arrive at the airport shortly before departure, avoiding any waiting.

Arrival and Security: Forget about long queues. At São Paulo Catarina, all procedures, including check-in and security control, take place in the private and comfortable setting of a dedicated terminal. You will be met upon arrival and escorted through all necessary points as quickly and discreetly as possible, saving your precious time.

Customs Control: When making international flights, customs and passport control are also organised via an accelerated procedure. All formalities for crossing the border of Brazil are handled in the comfortable lounges of the FBO terminal, making the process fast and convenient.

Transfer and Concierge Service: Utilise the full capabilities of the concierge service to plan your onward route. The fastest way to reach the business districts of São Paulo is a helicopter transfer, which can be booked in advance. An executive class car can also be arranged to meet you directly at the aircraft steps.

Flexibility and Planning: Business aviation offers unsurpassed schedule flexibility. However, in the event of a change in your plans, it is extremely important to promptly inform your operator. This will allow for the timely adjustment of the departure slot, crew operations, and ground services, ensuring the continuity of your journey.