On Jan. 1, 2019, Brazil will inaugurate its president-elect Jair Bolsonaro. We anticipate heavy business aviation traffic to Brazil for this event, including many chiefs of state. Below is everything operators planning to travel to the inauguration or who will be in the region need to know.

1. SBBR will be the primary airport

Brasília International Airport (SBBR) will be the primary airport of entry for operators attending the inauguration. This is a 24-hour AOE with full services, an FBO and no PPR mandate.

2. Slots required

SBBR will be requiring slots, but as of now, few details have been released. Below is an overview of what is currently practiced at other airports in Brazil:

• Slots are available 120h prior the intended time
• Slots are granted through licensed service providers. If the service provider has the licensing for a slot application, the operator needs to provide a letter approving the service provider to grant the slot application. This registration can take up to 48 hours to be granted.
• Slot deviation is +15/-15 minutes.
• If a slot is no longer needed, it can be released up to 90 minutes prior the proposed time. If the slot is released within this period, penalties may apply.
• Penalties for missing confirmed slot times vary, depending on the amount of disruption caused. Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC), the national civil aviation agency, will calculate applicable penalties and fine operators after first sending out a letter and allowing operators a specific time period to respond with an explanation. It’s important to note that letters requesting an explanation will only be sent out after the event and usually takes several months to be issued. If you do not file a response, or your response is not accepted by ANAC, the penalty will be applied. Operators who do not pay imposed penalties may find themselves unable to obtain permits/slots or operate to Brazil.
• Currently diplomatic flights are exempt of slots, but it is not clear whether they’ll remain this way, since so many diplomatic operations are expected to attend.

3. Permits

Chiefs of State will need to apply for a diplomatic permit (AVOEM), which is the permit issued for official and military flights. The request must be placed by the military attaché sited on the Embassy in Brazil. The permit is requested to the Brazilian ministry of defense.

The AVOEM will contain the route approved. The flight plan can only be filed with the correct route and correct AVOEM number. The operator must ensure the service provider has the AVOEM document with proper information, so the services can be properly secured.

The AVOEM also must inform if the aircraft will be able to operate at the military ramp and if it will be possible to overnight at the military ramp.

General aviation operations will need a civil permit, which can be arranged by your service provider.

*Beware of domestic permit lead times: Some operators of General Aviation will need to perform techstops in Brazilian territory or will spend New Year’s Eve at touristic locations, such as Rio de Janeiro and then proceed to Brasilia on January 1st. For those operators, a domestic permit will be required. It needs to be granted before arrival and has a 48 business hours lead time. Because of the holidays, this lead time can increase so, it is important to take this into consideration when planning your trip.

For permit assistance, please contact Universal Aviation Brazil at +55 11 2445 4777 or [email protected]

4. Clearing CIQ

General aviation flights with an AVOEM will be approved to clear CIQ at the airbase. All other flights must clear CIQ in the main terminal.

5. Parking requirements

• Diplomatic flights – In order to park at the airbase, in the AVOEM, it will be necessary to show the approval, otherwise, the aircraft will need to be towed to terminal. Most official flights take place on the military ramp, which has ample parking, but ground support equipment must be scheduled in advance.
• General flights – Apron 5 and apron 2 will hold all parking. Aircraft will be towed into narrow positions. Make sure to bring a towbar onboard.

6. Bring a towbar

Although taxi out positions can be granted, the number of operations on inauguration day may create the need to tow aircraft. Towbars can be rented for many aircraft types, but it is recommended to bring your own, as they can be hard to find at SBBR.

7. Landing fees

Payment is made at the main terminal directly to the airport authority. U.S. dollars, real (Brazilian currency), or credit cards are accepted. The service provider can make the payment on the operator’s behalf.

Some countries have agreements with Brazil granting exemptions either of parking, navigation or landing fees. The type of flight and type of aircraft will also affect pricing.

8. Handling

Due to the high number of flights, ground support equipment may be limited, so it is a good idea to confirm handling as soon as possible so the service provider can have time to properly schedule their equipment.

To coordinate ground support with Universal Aviation Brazil, please contact at +55 11 2445 4777 or [email protected]

9. Hotel availability

Brasilia has ample hotel accommodations. Although the inauguration takes place on New Year’s Day, because the city is not a common tourist destination, availability should not be an issue.

10. Fuel

Fuel quality is good at SBBR, however, due to the expected high amount of flights, it is recommended to schedule fuel service in advance. All major fuel cards are accepted, but the physical card is needed, otherwise, a fuel release will need to be presented. For more information, the UVair Fuel Program can help. 

11. Catering

SBBR counts with Business Aviation catering service, however, high traffic periods end congesting the catering companies. Please ensure the catering orders are placed in advance, so the service provider can have time to translate it and produce. Last-minute changes will likely not be accepted. For catering assistance contact: [email protected].

Conclusion

The upcoming Brazil presidential inauguration is expected to bring significant business aviation traffic to Brazilia Jan. 1, 2019. This includes large numbers of heads of state in addition to regular general aviation. In order to ensure slots, parking and ground handling availability, it is advised that operators begin planning now.

Questions

If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance planning your next trip to Brazil, contact me at [email protected].