São Paulo & Latin America – A new chapter begins in Brazil’s aviation and tourism sectors as Avion Express Brasil—the country’s first ACMI airline—launches its commercial operations. The arrival of this agile, lease-model operator promises to enhance travel access, affordability, and tourism opportunities across Brazil and beyond.
A Game-Chchanger for Brazilian Aviation
Avion Express Brasil is the Brazilian subsidiary of the Lithuanian Avion Express, under the Avia Solutions Group. The airline secured certification from Brazil’s aviation regulator ANAC in February 2025, marking the first ACMI operator to gain approval in the country.
The airline registered its first Airbus A320—tail number PR‑MLD—in January 2025. Configured with 180 seats and transferred from its parent company, this jet forms the backbone of the airline’s operations.
On 19 August 2025, Avion Express Brasil carried out its first commercial ACMI flight, departing from Viracopos Airport and landing in Mendoza, Argentina. This inaugural service signals the startup’s readiness to serve charter, tourism, and airline leasing needs across Latin America.
What Is ACMI and Why It Matters
In aviation, ACMI refers to Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance—a leasing model allowing airlines to scale quickly, manage seasonal peaks, or handle fleet shortages. As a specialized ACMI provider, Avion Express Brasil will meet surging demand in Brazil’s large and evolving market.
The Brazilian government’s “Voo Simples” and “Fly2Brazil” initiatives have supported the entry of foreign carriers like Avion Express Brasil, simplifying AOC processes and encouraging market innovation.
Strategically, the airline aims to scale to 10 aircraft by end-2025, and up to 25 by 2027–2028, including both passenger and freight versions of Airbus A320‑family jets.
Tourism & Economic Benefits
1. More flights, better access: New routes from Brazil’s key gateways—São Paulo, Campinas, or beyond—to tourism hotspots like Rio, Salvador, and backward, strengthen Brazil’s travel infrastructure.
2. Regional inclusion: ACMI operations support service to smaller airports otherwise overlooked. This strengthens tourism in second-tier cities like Maringá or beachfront towns like Cabo Frio. Economists expect increased opportunity for local businesses.
3. Multi-country travel made seamless: The airline’s Mendoza flight shows how ACMI aircraft connect Brazil with tourist destinations across Latin America, enabling multi-city itineraries across borders.
4. Sustainability at its core: By deploying recently maintained A320s with modern engines, Avion Express Brasil aligns with Brazil’s eco-friendly tourism goals.
Industry: Growth & Responsiveness
As Brazil rebounds in global tourism, Avion Express Brasil brings agility and cost-efficiency. Whether it’s handling peak holiday demand or offering ready-made capacity to carriers and operators, the ACMI model is gaining traction. The company also joined ALTA, the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association, signaling its commitment to the regional aviation ecosystem.
Quick Overview Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| AOC Approval | February 2025 from ANAC; Brazil’s first ACMI airline |
| Fleet Base | Airbus A320 – PR-MLD registered January 2025 |
| Inaugural Flight | Started August 19, 2025: Viracopos → Confins → Mendoza |
| Fleet Growth Plan | 10 aircraft by end-2025, up to 25 by 2028 |
| Key Advantage | More flight options, eco-efficiency, tourism expansion |
Traveler Takeaways
- More routes means lower fares: The ACMI model may help reduce fare costs across popular tourist corridors.
- Greater travel flexibility: Expect improved connection choices and redundancy with more aircraft participating in the market.
- Discover new Brazil: From the Amazon to Atlantic shores, travelers can explore more regions with affordable scheduling.
Final Thoughts
Avion Express Brasil’s launch marks a turning point for Brazilian air travel. By delivering scalable, sustainable capacity, this new ACMI operator is strengthening tourism, regional connectivity, and economic development through aviation innovation. As Brazil solidifies its place as a global destination, Avion Express Brasil supports it—one single-aisle jet at a time.
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