Spain-headed global liquid logistics major Exolum Corporation SA (Exolum) has announced that it has commenced operations at the aviation fuel storage and distribution facilities and the hydrant network at Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), its second airport in Portugal. Managed by ANA (VINCI Group), Exolum will invest more than €4.5 million by 2029 in the construction of new infrastructure designed to increase the facility’s storage capacity to 1,300 m³.
According to a statement, the contract has an initial term of seven years, with the option to extend to nine years.
The scope of the project includes the comprehensive operation of the fuel storage facility (tank farm), currently comprising six horizontal tanks, as well as the hydrant system, which is over one kilometre long and has 32 supply points.
Additional storage capacity
Furthermore, Exolum will lead the design and implementation of new infrastructure to increase the storage capacity and improve the facility’s operational efficiency.
The project will be carried out in several phases and will include the construction of new tanks, the progressive modernisation of existing facilities, and the implementation of advanced control and safety systems.
This investment will increase the airport’s operational autonomy to five days and will also facilitate the implementation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Madeira.
With the addition of Madeira Airport, we are now present at 50 airports, guaranteeing a reliable, efficient supply that meets the highest quality standards. This presence provides us with extensive knowledge and solid experience in airport management across Europe and the Americas. Aviation is a strategic area for our company in which we want to continue growing, commented Javier Goñi, CEO of Exolum.
This initiative will strengthen the reliability of the airport’s fuel supply, improve operational efficiency, and support the expected growth in air traffic in the region.
Furthermore, it highlights Exolum’s ability to develop complex energy infrastructure projects in strategic locations, offering solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Prepared for future growth
With this project, Exolum consolidates its commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the transport and storage of energy products, strengthening its role as a leading partner in the energy and aviation sectors.
Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) handles over 5 million passengers a year. With more than 600 weekly flights, it is one of Portugal’s busiest airports and a leading global tourist destination.
The most recent forecasts estimate that by 2030, it will supply an annual average of 120,000 m³ of fuel, compared to 105,000 m³ distributed in 2025.
In Portugal, Exolum operates Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), also managed by ANA | VINCI Airports, which in 2025 exceeded 36 million passengers.
At ANA | VINCI Airports, as operators of critical infrastructure, we have a responsibility to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and long-term capacity of our facilities. This investment at Madeira Airport is a clear example of that commitment, reinforcing fuel infrastructure to support the airport’s continued growth while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational performance, said Rui Coutinho, Madeira Airport Director.
