Azul Linhas Aéreas added two new Embraer jets, which arrived shortly after Christmas and were flown by pilots from the Brazilian manufacturer.
The Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, delivered brand new, bear the registrations PS-ADC and PS-ADD. On Thursday, December 26, they flew from São José dos Campos (SP) to Montevideo, Uruguay, and then to Confins (MG), where they will undergo the nationalization process.
The first aircraft, PS-ADC, has the serial number 19020162 and was named «Meu E2 Azul.» The second, PS-ADD, with the serial number 19020164, was named «Onde os sonhos voam.»
With these two new additions, Azul will close the year having received 10 new jets from Embraer, bringing its total fleet of next-generation E195-E2 aircraft to 30.
Now, many people unfamiliar with certain aspects of the industry might wonder why Azul&#8217;s new Embraer aircraft first fly to Uruguay before being officially received in Brazil (where they are manufactured).
The answer, as explained by our Brazilian partner <a href="https://aeroin.net/em-voo-vindo-do-uruguai-chega-em-confins-o-novo-embraer-195-e2-da-azul-com-a-pintura-da-bandeira/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AEROIN</a>, is that Embraer delivers the aircraft to the leasing company owner, which has a legal representative in Uruguay, and this entity then exports the aircraft to Azul. This procedure results in a tax benefit that can amount to millions of reais per aircraft.
The Embraer 195-E2 is the largest and most modern commercial aircraft manufactured in Brazil, with a capacity for 136 passengers in the configuration chosen by Azul. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as in-flight Wi-Fi and individual screens at every seat, the model sets a benchmark for efficiency and sustainability.

Why Azul’s New Embraer Aircraft Fly to Uruguay Before Brazil

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recently announced changes to its intercontinental operations for the summer 2025 season in the northern hemisphere, starting from March 30, 2025.
These changes include the route from Amsterdam to Rio de Janeiro (Galeão), as reported in the latest update on December 22 by the associated media outlet <a href="https://aeroin.net/klm-faz-alteracoes-em-sua-operacao-para-2025-incluindo-nos-voos-ao-rio-de-janeiro/?amp">Aeroin</a>.
Initially, from March 30 to June 1, 2025, the flight frequency will be adjusted, operating 3 to 4 times per week with the Boeing 787-10, replacing the Boeing 777-200ER. During the period from March 30 to May 5, 2025, the service will be reduced from daily to six weekly flights.
From June 2, 2025, the route will return to daily operations with the Boeing 777-200ER. Originally, the route was scheduled to be operated daily by the 787-10, replacing the 777-200ER/787-9, with the 777-200ER planned to operate from July 20 to September 20, 2025.

Boeing 787-10 to Replace 777-200ER on KLM’s Amsterdam–Rio Route in Early 2025

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer released another creative year-end campaign to deliver a festive message. The company launched a video that uniquely combines the holiday spirit with aeronautical innovation.
In the video, Santa Claus, accompanied by three of his faithful elves, watches attentively as his iconic sleigh, filled with gifts, is loaded onto an Embraer E-Freighter cargo plane. The aircraft is positioned on the tarmac in front of an Embraer hangar, creating a scene that blends the magical world of Christmas with the reality of modern aviation, reported <a href="https://aeroin.net/em-video-embraer-coloca-o-papai-noel-embarcando-seu-treno-cheio-de-presentes-no-aviao-e-freighter/">Aeroin</a>.
Sharing the video on its social media platforms, Embraer accompanied the post with a message highlighting the capabilities of its aircraft: “With its capacity and flexibility, our E-Freighter is ready to deliver joy! Happy Holidays!”
Embraer’s choice to create this content demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation, not only in its products but also in its communication.
The E-Freighter is the new cargo version of Embraer’s successful E-Jets family, renowned for its efficiency and versatility. The depiction of the plane as Santa Claus&#8217;s assistant in delivering gifts is a creative way to showcase its payload capabilities and adaptability to different missions.

Embraer’s E-Freighter Joins Santa’s Sleigh in Festive Holiday Campaign

<a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/new-gol-destinations-aruba-san-jose-and-cancun-added-for-2024-high-season/">GOL Linhas Aéreas</a> landed at Reina Beatrix International Airport (AUA), serving <a href="https://www.airportaruba.com/">Aruba</a>, making it its second destination in the Caribbean.
The nonstop flights will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), enabling connections to Asunción, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Montevideo, Rosario, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, as well as its extensive domestic network.
“With Aruba, GOL now serves 15 destinations and 16 international airports across the Americas, and it will continue strengthening its international presence. We are the only airline offering direct flights to Aruba from Brazil. This gives us the confidence that we are connecting our people with joy, comfort, and safety, contributing to the development of tourism and the economy across the region,” stated Rafael Araújo, GOL’s Air Network Planning Director.
Brazil did not previously have nonstop flights to Aruba, so tourists usually traveled via Avianca, LATAM, or Copa Airlines, connecting through their respective hubs. In mid-2023, Azul began flights between Belo Horizonte and Curaçao, Aruba’s neighboring island, with an average occupancy rate of 80%.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-349921" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Aruba-GOL.jpg" alt="" width="1068" height="714" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Aruba-GOL.jpg 1068w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Aruba-GOL-300x201.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Aruba-GOL-768x513.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Aruba-GOL-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px" />
«At the Aruba Tourism Authority &#8211; ATA, we are very pleased with the launch of this new route connecting São Paulo with Aruba in just 6 hours and 30 minutes of flight time,» said Ronella Croes, CEO of ATA. «Over the last decade, the Brazilian market has grown with an average annual growth rate of 17%, and for the coming year, we are projecting significant growth with a 61% increase compared to 2024, which was already a very good year,” she added.
<h2>GOL’s flight schedule</h2>
The airline will operate year-round, with variations depending on the season.
<ul>
<li>São Paulo – Aruba, GRU 15:30 – 21:00 AUA</li>
<li>Aruba – São Paulo, AUA 22:30 – 05:30 (+1) GRU</li>
<li>
<ul>
<li>From December 18 to March 9, 2025, and from June 30 to August 9, 2025, with three weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday).</li>
<li>From March 10, 2025, to April 28, 2025, and from August 11, 2025, with two weekly flights (Wednesday and Saturday).</li>
<li>From April 28 to June 29, 2025, with one weekly flight (Saturday).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Brazilian, Argentine, Paraguayan, and Uruguayan travelers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Aruba. However, an international yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, with the vaccine administered at least 10 days before the boarding date.

Aruba Welcomes GOL Airlines: Direct Flights from São Paulo Begin

Following recent concerns that the German company Lilium, a manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, might close its doors without reaching an agreement to save it from bankruptcy, an announcement this Christmas Eve brings relief to the company.
Lilium announced today, December 24, the signing of an asset purchase agreement with Mobile Uplift Corporation GmbH, a company founded by an experienced consortium of investors from Europe and North America. Mobile intends to acquire the operational assets of Lilium GmbH and Lilium eAircraft GmbH subsidiaries.
Subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions precedent, Lilium expects the Agreement to position the Subsidiaries to obtain sufficient financing to restart their commercial operations. The proceeds received from the sale will be used in accordance with German Insolvency Law, with no proceeds being distributed to Lilium N.V.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-349992 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lilium-Jet-eVTOL-24122401.jpg" alt="" width="1300" height="867" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Lilium-Jet-eVTOL-24122401.jpg 1300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Lilium-Jet-eVTOL-24122401-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Lilium-Jet-eVTOL-24122401-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Lilium-Jet-eVTOL-24122401-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1300px) 100vw, 1300px" />
As reported by <a href="https://aeroin.net/fabricante-da-aeronave-que-a-azul-quer-usar-lilium-assina-acordo-para-salvar-seu-negocio-da-falencia/">Aeroin</a>, KPMG has held discussions with potential investors who have shown interest in the assets and/or businesses of the Subsidiaries. These interests were considered by the creditor committee of Lilium GmbH as part of the mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) process led by KPMG, aimed at the financial restructuring of Lilium GmbH.
Following the closure, the parties intend to implement the planned restructuring of the Subsidiaries, with the aim of enabling them to exit their self-administration processes. On December 20, 2024, the Subsidiaries terminated the contracts of their remaining employees in accordance with German law.
Confirmation of the agreement is currently expected in early January 2025 and is subject to the fulfillment of certain customary conditions precedent, including the opening of the procedure and the consent of the creditor committee.
«We are very pleased to announce the signing of an investment agreement with a highly experienced consortium of investors, which represents a significant step forward,» said Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium. «Closing the deal in early January will allow us to restart our business.»
The aircraft developed by Lilium, named the Lilium Jet, was chosen by the Brazilian company Azul Linhas Aéreas for its air mobility plans in Brazil.

Lilium Finds Lifeline: Asset Purchase Agreement Signed to Avoid Bankruptcy

<a href="https://www.voegol.com.br/">Gol Linhas Aéreas</a> resumed its flights to Cancún (CUN), Mexico, which were suspended in February 2023, leaving many passengers with limited options for rescheduling. The company will initially operate three times per week from Brasilia (BSB). Gol will be the only airline connecting Cancún with Brazil, as LATAM and Aeroméxico fly to Mexico City (MEX), both from São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU).
“The return to Cancún, a destination of international renown, represents an important step in GOL’s international expansion. The unique combination of paradisiacal beaches, nature, and culture is highly desirable to many Customers,” said Rafael Araújo, GOL&#8217;s Executive Director of Planning.
Initially, Gol will have two weekly flights on its Boeing 737 MAX 8, with a capacity of 176 passengers, offering 704 seats per week. According to Brazil&#8217;s ANAC, in 2022, the airline transported 46,792 passengers on this route.
«The resumption of air routes aligns with the current state of our economy, including the increase in Brazilian purchasing power, the lowest unemployment rate in recent years, and the highest number of passengers transported in the international market this century. We expect to further enhance air connectivity by expanding routes and including new passengers in aviation,” commented Sílvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports.
The new destination joins Aruba (AUA) and San José (SJO), Costa Rica, from São Paulo/Guarulhos, both recently inaugurated. This highlights a clear focus on leisure and beach destinations, accompanying its current operations to Punta Cana (PUJ), Dominican Republic; Orlando (MCO) and Miami (MIA), United States; and Mendoza (MDZ), Argentina, which are popular with Brazilian tourists.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-349885" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BSB-Gol.png" alt="" width="1008" height="385" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/BSB-Gol.png 1008w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/BSB-Gol-300x115.png 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/BSB-Gol-768x293.png 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/BSB-Gol-150x57.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px" />
<h2>Flight schedule for Gol’s Cancún service</h2>
<ul>
<li>Brasilia – Cancún flight G3 7724 BSB 11:30 – 17:25 CUN / Tuesdays.</li>
<li>Brasilia – Cancún flight G3 7724 BSB 11:55 – 18:00 CUN / Saturdays.</li>
<li>Cancún – Brasilia flight G3 7725 CUN 20:40 – 06:35 (+1) BSB / Tuesdays.</li>
<li>Cancún – Brasilia flight G3 7725 CUN 19:30 – 05:35 (+1) BSB / Saturdays.</li>
</ul>
The flights to Cancún will allow connections to 30 Brazilian cities and Buenos Aires through GOL’s hub in Brasilia. Additionally, exclusive service will be offered to travelers from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro departing from São Paulo/Congonhas (CGH) and Rio de Janeiro/Santos Dumont (SDU) airports: the possibility of making an international trip on the same day, departing from two domestic airports and connecting with Gol in Brasilia, with added convenience.

Gol Linhas Aéreas Resumes Flights to Cancún: Only Direct Connection Between Brazil and Mexico

GOL Linhas Aéreas is expanding its fleet of 737-800BCF freighter aircraft in collaboration with leasing company BBAM, strengthening its air cargo operations to serve the e-commerce giant Mercado Libre (or Mercado Livre, in Portuguese).
With this addition, there are now seven aircraft serving the platform in Brazil, as part of a contract that could include up to 12 planes in the coming years, depending on market development.
The arrival of this additional aircraft, a 737-800BCF model manufactured in 2006 and previously operated by Air Transat, was reported last week by our partner media outlet in Brazil, <a href="https://aeroin.net/gol-recebe-hoje-boeing-737-que-ja-serviu-a-justin-trudeau/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AEROIN</a>.
The aircraft, identified by serial number 30696, landed in Belo Horizonte under a lease agreement with GOL. In Brazil, the jet will operate under the registration PS-GFG.
It is a 737-800BCF, an acronym for Boeing Converted Freighter, a term that refers to passenger planes converted into pure freighters through a modification project carried out by the manufacturer itself, although it can also be executed by associated workshops.
<div class="entry-content">
Meli Air was established in 2020 to streamline Mercado Libre&#8217;s logistics operations in two key markets for the company: Brazil and Mexico. In Brazil, they entered into an alliance with GOL for the exclusive use of six Boeing 737-800BCFs over 10 years.
</div>

GOL Increases 737-800BCF Freighter Fleet to Serve Mercado Libre in Brazil

The aviation sector in Brazil continues to solidify its position as one of the most dynamic in the region, reaching record-breaking figures in November 2024 in both the domestic and international markets. According to data from the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), the total number of passengers transported during the month rose to 10.1 million, representing a 7.5% year-over-year growth.
In the domestic market, 8 million passengers used air transport, marking an increase of 6% compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, 9.6 million available seats were recorded, with a load factor of 85.4%.
In terms of revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), there was a 9.7% year-over-year increase, while capacity measured in available seat kilometers (ASK) grew by 6.5%. Cargo and mail transport remained stable, with 41.6 thousand tons moved.
Among the leading airlines, Latam Airlines Brasil dominates the domestic market with a 39.4% share and a 7.8% increase in RPK, followed by Azul Linhas Aéreas, which posted an impressive growth of 22.1%, achieving a market share of 30.6%. GOL Linhas Aéreas completed the top three with 29.7% of the market, achieving a 2% increase in RPK.
<h3>International market: record-breaking figures</h3>
The international segment continues to show exceptional performance. In November, 2.1 million passengers were transported, a 14.6% year-over-year increase, marking the best historical result for this month. Additionally, 2.6 million seats were offered, with a load factor of 84.4%.
International cargo transport also recorded significant growth, reaching 79.2 thousand tons, which represents a 10.3% increase compared to November 2023. The RPK and ASK indicators showed growth of 14.6% and 12.8%, respectively.
Year-to-date, Brazilian air transport reached 99.9 billion RPK, marking a growth of 4.7% compared to the previous year. This progress highlights the sector&#8217;s recovery following the challenges imposed by the pandemic, with steady growth in both market segments.
The overall outlook reflects the strengthening of Brazilian aviation, driven by sustained demand growth, operational efficiency of major airlines, and a favorable environment for both domestic and international connectivity. With these results, Brazil continues to establish itself as a key player in Latin American aviation.

Brazilian Aviation Reaches Record-Breaking Numbers in November 2024

Delta Air Lines plans a change in the operation of its aircraft on the route between Atlanta and São Paulo-Guarulhos during the third quarter of 2025. Starting on July 3, the airline will begin deploying the Airbus A350-900 on regular flights, replacing the Airbus A330-300 currently in use.
Flights DL105 and DL268 will be operated by the new A350, with a capacity of 275 passengers. Flight DL105 departs Atlanta at 7:15 PM and arrives in Guarulhos at 5:40 AM the following day. Flight DL268 departs São Paulo at 10:05 AM and lands in Atlanta at 6:40 PM.
Meanwhile, some flights, such as DL269 from Atlanta to São Paulo and DL104 on the return leg, will continue to be served by the A330-300.
This is not an unprecedented change. Previously, the U.S. carrier even operated the A350 on the same route for some time, as reported then by <a href="https://aeroin.net/delta-vai-empregar-o-airbus-a350-nos-voos-entre-sao-paulo-e-atlanta-a-partir-do-proximo-ano/">AEROIN</a>.

Delta Air Lines to Deploy Airbus A350-900 on Atlanta–São Paulo Route in 2025

The ongoing issues with British Airways&#8217; (BA) Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet have forced the airline to suspend its flights to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, as the popular connection to the Middle East will be removed from the airline&#8217;s network for the summer 2025 season.
British Airways had relaunched the London-Heathrow-Abu Dhabi route in April after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the company operates the route with a daily flight using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
According to London Air Travel, British Airways will suspend its direct flight to Abu Dhabi for the entire summer 2025 season, which runs from March 30 to October 25, 2025. The company stated that it has been forced to cut several routes due to persistent issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent engines powering its fleet of 787 Dreamliners, <a href="https://aeroin.net/em-meio-a-crise-do-boeing-787-abu-dhabi-entra-na-lista-de-cortes-da-ba/">Aeroin</a> reported.
These reliability issues require engine maintenance earlier than expected, and supply chain challenges have exacerbated the situation, leaving aircraft grounded for much longer than planned, according to Paddle Your Own Kanoo.
British Airways tried to maintain its schedule by operating older Boeing 777s more frequently, but since the Rolls-Royce engine problems remain unresolved, the airline needed to allocate time for maintenance of these aircraft.
In November, the airline stated that problems with the Dreamliners were the reason for indefinitely suspending two popular routes between London Heathrow and Bahrain and Kuwait. Following public outcry, British Airways partially reversed this decision and will continue to operate three weekly flights to Bahrain at the start of the summer 2025 season.
Additionally, the airline will withdraw from Dallas-Fort Worth at the end of March 2025, but capacity will be absorbed by American Airlines, its partner in the transatlantic joint venture. At the same time, British Airways will reduce flights to Miami, has already suspended the route to Beijing, and has decreased its offerings to Hong Kong.
Last week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that supply chain issues had caused a 30% drop in new aircraft deliveries compared to a peak of 1,813 units in 2018.
The backlog of undelivered orders has reached an unprecedented figure of 17,000 aircraft, meaning airlines are operating fleets with a much higher average age than in previous years. If the delivery rate does not improve, IATA estimates it will take 14 years to clear this backlog of unfulfilled orders.

British Airways Halts Abu Dhabi Flights Amid Boeing 787 Dreamliner Issues

Azul achieved a historic milestone and strengthened its commitment to national development by receiving six Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in a single month. This achievement, recorded in December 2024, is part of a significant investment in partnership with the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, showcasing the strengthening of the national aeronautics industry.
This year, Azul acquired 13 E2 aircraft, with seven deliveries already completed and four more scheduled for the end of the month, as well as two planned for the first half of 2025. With plans to integrate 15 new E2 aircraft into the fleet in 2025, the company consolidates its leadership position in the national market, offering greater connectivity and efficiency in its operations.
The investment of over 3 billion reais not only boosts the local economy by creating approximately 500 new direct and indirect jobs per aircraft but also stimulates the aviation, tourism, and services sectors. Azul reaffirms its role as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth, significantly contributing to the national GDP, according to <a href="https://aeroin.net/azul-espera-receber-6-aeronaves-embraer-e2-apenas-neste-mes-de-dezembro/">Aeroin</a>.
<h2>Aircraft purchase</h2>
The Embraer E2 jets, recognized for their modern technology and efficiency, have a capacity for 136 passengers and offer up to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions. Additionally, they provide an enhanced customer experience with onboard Wi-Fi and individual screens.
John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul, highlighted the importance of internal investment: “Investing in Brazil is part of Azul’s DNA. Each aircraft received means more flights, destinations, and opportunities, driving tourism and economic growth”.
With this fleet expansion, Azul, which connects all capitals and several remote cities in Brazil, plans to increase flight frequencies on existing routes and introduce new connections. This initiative not only further democratizes air travel but also directly benefits local economies by promoting tourism and creating jobs across various regions.

Azul Strengthens Brazilian Aviation: Six Embraer E195-E2 Jets Delivered in One Month

The price of international air tickets for flights departing from Brazil could increase in the coming years with the approval of the current text of the Tax Reform. According to the proposal, the new single tax, VAT (Value Added Tax), will have a base rate of 26%, which will be fully charged to passengers purchasing international tickets from Brazil.
For round-trip tickets, the rate will be reduced by half, meaning a 13.5% tax on the ticket price. Currently, the taxes that VAT will replace (Cofins, ISS, and ICMS) are not applied to international air tickets due to an international convention to which Brazil is a signatory.
Industry sources informed the newspaper Folha de São Paulo that the application of VAT will negatively impact international air traffic in Brazil, potentially reducing the total number of international passengers in the country by 22% annually.
Meanwhile, the government has argued that the tax exemption on aviation kerosene (which is not taxed on international flights precisely because Brazil is a signatory to international agreements) and other benefits in the aviation sector&#8217;s supply chain already “overly favor” commercial aviation, according to reports from our partner media outlet in the country, <a href="https://aeroin.net/passagens-aereas-internacionais-podem-subir-26-com-reforma-tributaria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AEROIN</a>.
Adjustments can still be made to the text that was approved in the Chamber of Deputies, and each sector will have a specific tax rate, which will be defined after the text is sanctioned by the President of the Republic. Nevertheless, VAT will only begin to be charged starting in 2033, allowing for adaptations in the Brazilian tax system and providing predictability to society.

Brazil’s Tax Reform: How VAT Could Impact International Air Travel Costs

<a href="https://www.copaair.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copa Airlines</a> celebrated the resumption of international flights at Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre. The first flight departed from Panama on the afternoon of Wednesday (18) and landed in Porto Alegre just past midnight on Thursday (19).
To commemorate this significant milestone, the arrival of the first Copa flight was celebrated with a special event attended by company leaders, including Christian Rodriguez, Raphael de Lucca, Monica Afonso, Beatriz Lopes, and Valeria Padilla.
Raphael de Lucca, Country Manager of Copa Airlines, emphasized that “this moment marks not only the return of our flights but also the reinforcement of our commitment to the city.”
The operation will include four weekly flights between Panama and Porto Alegre. Flight CM821 departs from Panama on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 3:06 PM, arriving in Porto Alegre just past midnight. On the return leg, flight CM820 departs from Porto Alegre on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 1:25 AM, landing in Panama at 6:38 AM, according to our partner outlet in Brazil, <a href="https://aeroin.net/copa-airlines-retoma-voos-no-aeroporto-de-porto-alegre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AEROIN</a>.
Edgar Nogueira, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Fraport Brasil, highlighted that “the resumption of international flights marks a decisive moment for the reconstruction of Porto Alegre Airport.” Through this direct connection, residents of Rio Grande do Sul now have easier access to destinations in the Americas and the Caribbean.
The Salgado Filho International Airport, which reopened in October 2024 after being closed for more than five months due to the floods that hit the state between April and May, is now resuming activities with the promise of boosting tourism and trade.
In addition to Copa Airlines flights from Panama, Porto Alegre&#8217;s international connectivity will be further strengthened with the return of flights from Lima (January 1 with LATAM), Santiago (January 3 with LATAM and June 23 with SKY), Buenos Aires (with <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aerolineas-argentinas-postpones-return-to-porto-alegre-flights/">Aerolíneas Argentinas starting March 3</a>), and Lisbon (<a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/porto-alegre-welcomes-back-tap-air-portugal-lisbon-flights-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TAP Air Portugal starting April 1</a>).

Panama to Porto Alegre: Copa Airlines Restarts Direct Flights

Turkish Airlines commenced its flights to Santiago (SCL), Chile, from Istanbul (IST), Turkey, with a stopover in São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), after initiating ticket sales in September 2024.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-349456 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_1094AV-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="997" height="625" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1094AV-300x188.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1094AV-768x480.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1094AV-150x94.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" />
The airline had revealed that Santiago (SCL) would be one of its new medium-term destinations in a report published in September 2022. However, the following year, the president of Turkish Airlines, Ahmet Bolat, stated during a press conference held at the 79th Annual General Meeting of IATA in Istanbul that, for the time being, Santiago de Chile was not being considered as part of its Latin American network, citing a lack of sufficient and suitable aircraft to serve the route non-stop.
Nevertheless, at the beginning of 2024, the Chilean National Tourism Service (SERNATUR) announced that it had held meetings with representatives of the airline.
After several months of speculation, the company landed in the Chilean capital at 09:31 this Thursday. The flight was welcomed by high-ranking officials from the airline, DGAC, the airport concessionaire, and others. Although the inaugural flight was carried out with one of its Boeing 777-300ERs, the company will operate four weekly flights using its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured with 329 seats, providing a total of 2,632 seats per week.
&nbsp;
Istanbul – São Paulo flight TK 215 IST 20:35 – 04:15 (+1) GRU / Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 
São Paulo – Santiago flight TK 215 GRU 05:50 – 09:45 SCL / Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 
Santiago – São Paulo flight TK 216 SCL 11:40 – 15:15 GRU / Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 
São Paulo – Istanbul flight TK 216 GRU 16:50 – 11:20 (+1) IST / Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The new schedule will replace the current TK 194/193 flight that operates four times a week between São Paulo and Turkey. In total, Turkish will maintain its eleven weekly flights between Guarulhos and Istanbul.
The Chilean capital will thus gain access to Turkish Airlines&#8217; network of 347 destinations, primarily connecting with Europe, East Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. However, the cargo division of the company operates weekly in Santiago during the peak season with its Boeing 777 Freighter.
<h3>Turkish Airlines sets a record upon arrival in Chile</h3>
Santiago becomes Turkish Airlines&#8217; ninth destination in Latin America, after Buenos Aires (Argentina), São Paulo (Brazil), Bogotá (Colombia), Havana (Cuba), Mexico City and Cancún (Mexico), Panama City (Panama), and Caracas (Venezuela). The Turkish carrier also announced that Lima (Peru) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) will be the next destinations in the region.
Moreover, the arrival in Chile allowed the airline to achieve a record, earning the certification of Guinness World Records as the airline flying to the most countries in the world.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-349457 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_1182AV-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="998" height="625" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1182AV-300x188.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1182AV-768x480.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1182AV-150x94.jpg 150w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_1182AV.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px" />
The company will compete in the market between Santiago and São Paulo, currently dominated by LATAM (70 weekly flights) and SKY (10). According to the Chilean Civil Aviation Board (JAC), this is the country&#8217;s third most important international route, with 663,476 passengers transported during the first half of 2024.

Turkish Airlines lands in Chile

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has signed a contract with Embraer to acquire a new unit of the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II), which will be integrated into the KC-390 Millennium aircraft in its fleet. This device will significantly enhance FAB’s response capacity to environmental emergencies, such as forest fires.
With the MAFFS II system, the KC-390 can deploy up to 12,000 liters of water in just seven seconds per flight, quickly adapting to operational needs. This will be the second system of its kind acquired by FAB, bolstering its fleet of multi-role aircraft.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-349313 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1708" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-1349x900.jpg 1349w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_03-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
According to Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Air Force, the system has demonstrated high operational efficiency. “The MAFFS II system has shown great reaction capacity in emergencies affecting various regions of Brazil. In total, the KC-390 equipped with this system has dropped more than one million liters of water so far this year. The decision to expand this capacity is based on proven efficiency in over 100 flights and the growing demand for tools like this,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Embraer Defense and Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior highlighted the versatility of the KC-390 in critical missions. “The KC-390 has proven its effectiveness in operations such as firefighting in the Pantanal, Amazon, and São Paulo during 2024. With the addition of this new MAFFS II unit, FAB will double its operational performance in these missions. We are very pleased with the progress of this multi-role platform manufactured by Embraer to meet the country’s needs,” he emphasized.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-349315 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1012" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01.jpeg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01-300x190.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01-1423x900.jpeg 1423w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01-768x486.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01-1536x972.jpeg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/EMBRAER-FAB-MAFFS_01-150x95.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" />
<h3>International projection of the KC-390 Millennium</h3>
Since its entry into service with FAB in 2019, the KC-390 has demonstrated an operational availability of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%. Its reliability has captured the attention of international air forces, such as those of Portugal (2023) and Hungary (2024), as well as countries like the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and, most recently, Sweden, which confirmed its selection of the aircraft. Additionally, Slovakia has identified the KC-390 as the best option for modernizing its air transport fleet.
With this acquisition, the Brazilian Air Force strengthens its disaster response capability, consolidating the KC-390 Millennium as a strategic asset both in Brazil and in international markets.

Brazilian Air Force Expands Firefighting Capabilities with New KC-390 MAFFS II System

El Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, will receive a non-scheduled flight with a trijet Boeing 727 this Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Flight scheduling data from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) obtained by our Brazilian associate outlet, <a href="https://aeroin.net/um-trijato-boeing-727-de-mais-de-40-anos-devera-pousar-em-um-aeroporto-brasileiro-amanha-veja-a-programacao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AEROIN</a>, indicate that the Uruguayan airline Air Class was contracted to perform an operation classified as “non-scheduled international cargo”, landing in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul late in the morning and taking off in the early afternoon.
According to the schedule, the Boeing 727-200F will depart from Montevideo, Uruguay, at 09:50, on flight QCL-2594, with an estimated arrival time at Salgado Filho at 11:00. Subsequently, the aircraft will depart at 13:00 bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina, on flight QCL-8767.
<figure id="attachment_178764" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ADC6B75F-50B0-410B-9E7A-35079BA2B23D.jpeg"> 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-349148 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_9893-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="894" height="560" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_9893-300x188.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_9893-768x480.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_9893-150x94.jpg 150w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/IMG_9893.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px" /> 
</a><figcaption>Boeing 727 Air Class</figcaption></figure>
Thus, this will be the first international flight to operate at Porto Alegre Airport following the <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/porto-alegre-airport-fully-reopens-3200-meter-runway-after-april-floods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full reopening of its runway that took place yesterday, Monday</a>.
Air Class operates a fleet of two Boeing 727-200F, registered under the tail numbers CX-CAR and CX-CLC, with 45 and 42 years of service, respectively.
As the channel “Camera Aeroporto Porto Alegre BrAmigos” features live broadcasts focused on Porto Alegre Airport, the arrival and departure of the Boeing 727 can be viewed on the following screens:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVeZioLUurk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVeZioLUurk</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYyas18zcOU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYyas18zcOU</a></li>
</ul>

Classic is a Classic: Boeing 727 to Land in Porto Alegre: First International Flight After Runway Reopening

<a href="https://www.flytap.com/en-us">TAP Air Portugal</a> officially confirmed its return to Salgado Filho International Airport, serving Porto Alegre, starting on April 1, 2025, flying from Lisbon (LIS).
Tickets are already available for purchase, with promotional fares of USD 649 on TAP&#8217;s official website (flytap.com) and through travel agents.
The announcement comes after <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/porto-alegre-airport-fully-reopens-3200-meter-runway-after-april-floods/">the full recovery of Porto Alegre&#8217;s runway</a> following the floods that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul between April and May.
To date, the return of flights to Panama (Copa Airlines starting December 18), Lima (January 1 with LATAM), Santiago (January 3 with LATAM and June 23 with SKY), and Buenos Aires (with <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aerolineas-argentinas-postpones-return-to-porto-alegre-flights/">Aerolíneas Argentinas starting March 3),</a> has been confirmed.
The European airline will operate three weekly flights using A330-900 aircraft, configured with 298 seats, divided into 34 in business class, 96 in premium economy, and 168 in economy class. As it operated before its suspension in April 2024, it will offer 1,788 seats per week.
<ul>
<li>Flight TP 117 LIS 13:05 &#8211; 20:25 POA / Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.</li>
<li>Flight TP 118 POA 21:55 &#8211; 12:45 (+1) LIS / Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.</li>
</ul>
In 2023, TAP transported 77,139 passengers in Porto Alegre with an 83% occupancy rate, according to ANAC Brazil.
<h3>TAP Air Portugal in Brazil</h3>
TAP is the European airline with the largest presence in Brazil, with flights to twelve destinations across fourteen routes.
From the Portuguese capital, it flies to Belém, Belo Horizonte/Confins, Brasilia, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Maceió, Manaus, Natal, Recife, Rio de Janeiro/Galeão, Salvador de Bahia, and São Paulo/Guarulhos. Additionally, from Porto, it flies to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
According to the Cirium platform, TAP operates up to 93 weekly flights with an offer of 24,000 seats per week.

Porto Alegre welcomes back TAP Air Portugal: Lisbon flights return

<a href="https://www.skyairline.com">SKY Airline</a> inaugurated a new route between Montevideo (MVD) and Rio de Janeiro/Galeão (GIG), becoming the third between Uruguay and Brazil. This connection complements the existing flights to Salvador (SSA) and Florianópolis (FLN), and brings the total number of routes from Montevideo to five, alongside Lima (LIM) and Santiago (SCL). Now, the airline operates around 20 weekly flights at the airport serving the Uruguayan capital.
In the absence of a local airline, Uruguay has promoted the arrival of foreign carriers to strengthen connectivity with neighboring countries. The new route to Rio de Janeiro aims to serve both Uruguayan and Argentine tourists in anticipation of a summer season expected to set records on Brazilian beaches.
SKY will fly between Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro four times per week between December 16, 2024, and April 21, 2025.
<ul>
<li>Flight H2 645 GIG 15:05 &#8211; 18:20 MVD / Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.</li>
<li>Flight H2 644 MVD 11:10 &#8211; 13:55 GIG / Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.</li>
</ul>
According to the Cirium platform, for the first time, three airlines will operate on the same route, including GOL with four weekly flights and JetSMART with between 5 and 9 flights per week. The route carried 104,280 passengers between January and October 2024, with an occupancy rate of 83%, according to ANAC Brazil.
<h3>SKY Airline in Montevideo</h3>
SKY Airline is the carrier with the largest offering of destinations at Carrasco International Airport, although it ranks fourth in seat capacity, with a market share of 10.4%.
The company operates regular flights from Montevideo to:
<ul>
<li>Florianópolis, three weekly flights, from December to March, seasonal route.</li>
<li>Lima, three weekly flights.</li>
<li>Rio de Janeiro, four weekly flights, from December to April, seasonal route.</li>
<li>Salvador de Bahía, three weekly flights, from December to April, reduced to two flights per week.</li>
<li>Santiago, seven weekly flights (in the summer season), reduced to between two and four flights per week.</li>
</ul>

Brazil