Miguel Albuquerque described the modernisation of the Funchal Cable Car as timely, saying the upgrade was needed after 25 years of service to improve technology, safety and comfort. He made the remarks during the presentation of the €4.5 million refurbishment project, which included new cabins, among them five with glass floors. The attraction reopened in early April with higher passenger capacity and a stronger focus on the visitor experience. Albuquerque said an extension to Terreiro da Luta had already been included in the concession specifications, but any move forward would depend on economic viability and business decisions. He added that he supports projects with quality and appeal, and argued that a longer line could help create new activities and draw more visitors. At the same time, he stressed that the Government should not intervene directly in private business, saying its role is to create the right conditions for entrepreneurs. His comments followed Ricardo Pinto Correia, chairman of the board of directors of Madeira Cable Car, who said he was open to extension proposals but warned that the investment would be substantial and would only make sense with new attractions in the area. Albuquerque also confirmed that the Curral das Freiras cable car project remains on schedule, with some infrastructure works already under way, and said the current concessionaire of the Funchal Cable Car not entering the tender was a matter for management and business decisions.
