Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría

What Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría does

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (AIJS) is Costa Rica's primary international gateway, located in Alajuela and operated under a government concession by AERIS (Aeris Holding Costa Rica), a Costa Rican consortium. The airport serves both end-of-route international travelers and connecting passengers, with scheduled service from major US carriers (United, American, Delta, Southwest), Latin American network carriers (Copa, Avianca, Aeromexico, LATAM), European flag carriers (Iberia, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa), and domestic operators (SANSA, Costa Rica Green Airways) connecting to 12+ Costa Rican destinations including Liberia, Limón, Quepos, Tamarindo, Tortuguero and Bahía Drake.

The facility is built on conventional airport infrastructure: 45 self-check-in kiosks, a flight information display system, AVSEC 002-compliant security screening, baggage handling systems, a ~400-space two-level parking facility, three VIP lounges (BAC Credomatic VIP Room, VIP Lounge, VIP Santamaría), and a dedicated private aviation terminal (GAT-SJO) rated best in Latin America by Pro Pilot Magazine. Supporting amenities include free terminal WiFi, pet relief area, family travel zones, accessibility programs (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, wheelchair service), duty-free and retail concessions, F&B outlets, banking and currency exchange (Global Exchange), insurance, and baggage wrapping (Secure Wrap).

Revenue is generated through a diversified aeronautical and non-aeronautical mix: a $29 per-passenger departure tax (collected via airline tickets since 2015), landing and airline fees, commercial concessions and retail leasing, parking (hourly $2.63-$2.76, daily $35, weekly $200), VIP lounge access ($22.60-$33.90 day passes), ground transportation fees (taxis, car rentals, shuttles), and advertising/sponsorship. The operator is executing the Master Plan 2023-2042 for long-term infrastructure development and began construction of the MOXY AIJS Hotel in July 2026 — the first on-airport hotel in Central America and Panama, connected to the terminal via a bridge walkway.

Name

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría

Legal name

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría

Website

https://sjoairport.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría is Costa Rica's main international gateway in Alajuela, operated by AERIS under a government concession, serving international and domestic passengers via scheduled carriers and a diversified mix of aviation fees, concessions, parking, and VIP services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Passenger Terminal Facilities Management (Cleaning, Maintenance, Utilities) (TLAHAEAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Terminal Retail, Food & Beverage & Concessions (TLAHAEAI), Airport Food & Beverage Concessions (THABALAD)

Keywords

• Airport operations
• Passenger terminal services
• Aviation ground services
• Airport retail concessions
• Airport parking services

Headquarters

HQ city

Alajuela

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Airport Operations and Infrastructure Management: AERIS manages the Juan Santamaría International Airport as the interested manager, providing terminal operations, passenger services, security, and infrastructure maintenance.
2. Aviation Fees and Charges: Revenue from departure taxes ($29.00 per passenger), landing fees, and airline charges for using airport facilities and services.
3. Commercial Concessions and Retail Leasing: Revenue from retail shops, duty-free stores, restaurants, and services operated by third-party concessionaires throughout the terminal.
4. Parking Services: Approximately 400-vehicle parking facility operating 365 days, 24 hours with tiered hourly and daily rates.
5. VIP Lounge Access: Revenue from paid access to VIP lounges including BAC Credomatic VIP Room, VIP Lounge, and VIP Santamaría with various entry requirements and day pass options.
6. Ground Transportation Services: Revenue from authorized taxi services, car rentals, and shuttle services operating at the airport.
7. Advertising and Sponsorship: Revenue from advertising displays and promotional placements throughout the airport terminal and digital platforms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría operates Costa Rica's main international airport terminal, providing passenger processing, terminal facilities, and aviation infrastructure under a government concession managed by AERIS (Aeris Holding Costa Rica). Core operations include international and domestic flight handling, self-check-in kiosks, security screening (AVSEC 002 compliant), baggage handling, three VIP lounges, free WiFi, a 400-vehicle parking facility, retail and dining concessions, accessibility services, and a dedicated private aviation terminal (GAT-SJO). Revenue is generated through aviation fees, commercial concessions, parking, VIP lounge access, ground transportation services, and advertising.

Product overview

Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría operates a comprehensive airport terminal managed by AERIS, providing passenger services through a network of facilities and digital systems. The airport's core digital product is its flight information system delivering real-time arrival and departure data for both international and domestic routes. Supporting passenger services include three VIP lounges (BAC Credomatic, VIP Lounge, and VIP Santamaría), free WiFi throughout the terminal, 45 self-check-in kiosks, a pet relief area, and comprehensive accessibility services including the Sunflower program for hidden disabilities. Commercial offerings encompass duty-free and retail shopping, diverse gastronomy options, and banking services. Ground transportation services include on-site parking (400 vehicles), multiple car rental partners, authorized taxi services, and shuttle connections. The airport also features a dedicated private aviation terminal (GAT-SJO) and a domestic terminal serving regional Costa Rican destinations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VIP Lounges

Quantifiable outcome

• Parking capacity: 400 vehicles on 2 levels, operating 365 days, 24 hours
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Airport Taxi Safe Services (Carbono Neutro)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized carbon-neutral taxi service provider operating at the airport with electric/hybrid vehicles, providing sustainable ground transportation options for passengers. Contact: ecogo.cr
• CoopetransturacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized taxi cooperative providing transportation services from the airport. Website: officialairportsjotaxi.com, Phone: +506 2440-4444
• Gorila Taxi AeropuertominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApp-based taxi service operating at the airport. Website: gorilataxi.com
• Orange TaximinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized taxi service. Website: orangetaxisa.com
• TaxiCabminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTaxi service provider at airport. Website: taxicabsjo.com
• Taxis UnidosminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized taxi cooperative. Website: taxiaeropuerto.com
• Alamo Rent A CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider with location at customs, operating 24/7/365. Contact: [email protected]
• Budget Rent A CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider operating from 5am to 11pm. Partnership with Dollar brand.
• Dollar Rent A CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider operating from 5am to 11pm. Shared location with Budget.
• Enterprise Rent A CarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider with on-site location. Contact: [email protected]
• HertzcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal car rental brand operating at airport. Contact: [email protected]
• National Car RentalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider. Contact: [email protected]
• Payless Car RentalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBudget car rental option located 600 meters east of Fiesta Aeropuerto Casino. Hours: 6am to 10pm.
• Solid – Nu RentalsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider located in Rio Segundo de Alajuela near Hampton Inn. Hours: 6am to 1am.
• ThriftycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCar rental provider sharing location with Budget/Dollar. Hours: 5am to 11pm.
• Universal Weather and AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld leader in private aviation logistics, part of consortium managing Costa Rica's private flight terminal (GAT-SJO), recognized as best in Latin America by Pro Pilot Magazine.
• Air Dispatch ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of consortium with Universal Weather and Aviation managing private aviation terminal.
• Hidden Disabilities SunflowerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal program integrated at the airport to support passengers with non-visible disabilities, providing sunflower lanyards for identification and assistance.
• Global ExchangecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCurrency exchange service operating 24 hours at multiple locations including departures lobby, gate areas, and arrivals baggage claim. Offers 35 currency types with 100% refund guarantee.
• BAC CredomaticcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBanking services and credit card partner operating at the airport. BAC Credomatic VIP Room lounge operates exclusively for cardholders including Dragon Pass and American Express Centurion Central America.
• Secure WrapminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal leader in baggage protection services offering wrapping, re-wrapping, weighing, tracking, and supplemental indemnity. Operates stations from 3am to 6pm daily.
• MOXY Hotels (Marriott)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partnership for MOXY AIJS, the first on-airport hotel in Central America and Panama, directly connected to terminal via bridge walkway. Construction began July 2026.
• Various Shuttle Service ProvidersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMultiple shuttle services operating at airport including Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and other hotel transfer services.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Fraport AG: Fraport AG is a global airport operator with terminal, cargo, retail, real-estate, and ground-service operations. It overlaps substantially with the subject's airport infrastructure and commercial services, although its portfolio is broader and larger.
• Groupe ADP: Groupe ADP operates a major international airport network and related passenger, terminal, retail, and airport services. It is a broad incumbent comparator for a regulated gateway operator with diversified aeronautical and commercial revenue.

Direct peers

• Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste: Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste operates airport concessions in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Colombia, generating aeronautical and commercial revenue from passenger traffic. Its regulated airport infrastructure and non-aeronautical monetization are directly comparable to the subject airport.
• Flughafen Zürich AG: Flughafen Zürich AG operates Zurich Airport and commercial activities including retail, parking, hospitality, and cargo. Its single-hub airport infrastructure and service mix are directly comparable to Juan Santamaría's terminal and commercial operations.
• Aena: Aena is Spain's airport operator and manager of airport terminals, passenger services, and commercial concessions. Its regulated airport infrastructure, passenger-processing capabilities, and retail-led commercial model are directly comparable to Juan Santamaría.
• Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte: Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte operates a network of regional airports under concession and monetizes passenger services, retail, parking, and related airport facilities. It is a relevant direct peer for AERIS's terminal, fee, and commercial-airport model.
• VINCI Airports: VINCI Airports operates airport concessions and provides terminal, passenger, retail, and ground-service infrastructure across multiple geographies. Its airport operator and public-private concession model closely overlaps with the business operated at Juan Santamaría.
• Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico is a Mexican airport concession operator with a portfolio of passenger airports and commercial activities spanning retail, food, parking, and other terminal services. Its airport-concession and passenger-traffic model is closely comparable to AERIS's management of Juan Santamaría.
• Corporación América Airports: Corporación América Airports is a Latin American airport concession operator with passenger, cargo, retail, and airport-service operations. Its regional airport portfolio and mix of regulated and commercial activities are closely comparable to the subject company.

Regional players

• Singapore Changi Airport Group: Singapore Changi Airport Group operates a major passenger and cargo gateway with extensive terminal retail, food, lounge, and passenger-service operations. Its scale and diversified commercial model are relevant comparators, although it serves a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aeris-holding-costa-rica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría