Brazil’s largest state-controlled bank is entering the premium-travel race: Banco do Brasil (BB) confirmed on 16 February that it will inaugurate proprietary VIP lounges at São Paulo-Guarulhos Terminal 3 and Brasília International Airport in May. The facilities—available initially to holders of the Altus Liv Black credit card—will position BB alongside Bradesco, Itaú, Nubank and BTG, which have all launched branded lounges to woo affluent card-members.
For mobile executives, the new spaces promise quieter work areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, showers and à-la-carte dining before long-haul departures—a welcome upgrade given persistent congestion in Guarulhos’ shared contract lounges. BB says it is assessing additional locations, potentially Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, as part of a broader push to grow its high-net-worth customer base.
![Banco do Brasil to open first private lounges at Guarulhos and Brasília]()
Why it matters for global mobility: proprietary bank lounges have become a key differentiator in Brazil’s lucrative card market and a tangible perk for international assignees on frequent-flyer schedules. Companies that issue Altus Liv cards to expatriates could see reduced incidental spending on third-party lounge passes and improved traveller satisfaction scores.
Travellers should note that access rules differ from DragonPass or LoungeKey programmes; Altus Liv card-holders will need to present a same-day boarding pass and may face guest limitations until capacity stabilises after launch. BB has not yet indicated whether pay-per-use entry will be offered.
The move underscores how Brazil’s financial sector is investing in travel infrastructure as mobility rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, creating a more competitive—and eventually more comfortable—airport ecosystem for business travellers.
For mobile executives, the new spaces promise quieter work areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, showers and à-la-carte dining before long-haul departures—a welcome upgrade given persistent congestion in Guarulhos’ shared contract lounges. BB says it is assessing additional locations, potentially Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, as part of a broader push to grow its high-net-worth customer base.
Why it matters for global mobility: proprietary bank lounges have become a key differentiator in Brazil’s lucrative card market and a tangible perk for international assignees on frequent-flyer schedules. Companies that issue Altus Liv cards to expatriates could see reduced incidental spending on third-party lounge passes and improved traveller satisfaction scores.
Travellers should note that access rules differ from DragonPass or LoungeKey programmes; Altus Liv card-holders will need to present a same-day boarding pass and may face guest limitations until capacity stabilises after launch. BB has not yet indicated whether pay-per-use entry will be offered.
The move underscores how Brazil’s financial sector is investing in travel infrastructure as mobility rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, creating a more competitive—and eventually more comfortable—airport ecosystem for business travellers.
Source: Jornal do Comércio
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