How to Register a Cargo Airline in Brazil

Brazil is well known in the world for its prominent tourism industry. According to the Ministry of Tourism, between 2016 and 2018 Brazil received more than 30 million passengers landing on international flights.

However, although there has been a growth in the demand for air cargo transportation in recent years, this market has not been much explored by Brazilian and international airlines when compared to passengers’ flights. 

It is important to highlight that Brazilian legislation, since 2019, allows 100% foreign ownership of airlines. This is a remarkable change to the airline market in Brazil and it is definitely a business opportunity for international cargo airlines that intend to establish and operate in a growing market.  

How to Register a Cargo Airline in Brazil? Responsible authorities for airline registration

The Brazilian civil aviation authority responsible for your registration is the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). 

On top of that, this process involves approaching the relevant aviation authority in your company’s country of origin with the support of diplomatic consulates. Depending on your origin country, you may also need to connect with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Steps to register a cargo airline

We outline the key steps to form your airline company in Brazil and take advantage of the country’s welcoming stance on foreign ownership.

3. Obtain and present the instrument of designation for a cargo airline 

The instrument of designation is a document issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the airline’s country of origin. It is an act that must be carried out through diplomatic channels. 

You can approach the CAA from your home country through the local embassy for support.

2. Submit a request before ANAC and incorporate a company in Brazil 

This step involves seeking ANAC approval of 2 crucial elements: your proposed aviation operations and documents of your company incorporation in Brazil.

Once the instrument of designation is obtained, the foreign air carriers must submit a formal request before ANAC, upon the presentation and file of the following documents and information:

• Company bylaws, duly registered in the country of origin
• A list of the company’s shareholders, including full names, domicile and total number of shares
• A copy of the General Meeting that approved the business activities and the capital allocated to establish operations in Brazil
• Payment of the Civil Aviation Inspection Tax – TFAC 
• Notice of Power of Attorney (POA) granted to a legal representative in Brazil
• Personal documents of the legal representative, including where they reside

  

• Draft and register the articles of incorporation before the governmental entities
• Obtain a taxpayer number (CNPJ). 

Any and all documents issued internationally must be legalized and/or apostilled. In addition, documents must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.

3. Request authorization to operate in Brazil

Your airline needs to file a request for authorization by ANAC and present the following documents:

1. CNPJ (taxpayer number)
2. Debt clearance certificates (from Federal Revenue, FGTS and ANAC)
3. AVSEC (aviation security) Declaration Form – in order to attest that the airline is aware of the Air Operator Safety Program (PSOA)
4. AVSEC Professionals Registration Form.
5. Proposal of Operating Specifications.

2019 Aviation law reform in Brazil

In June this year, President Jair Bolsonaro approved a bill that pares back strict regulations around foreign air carriers in the country.

This bill now allows completely foreign-owned airlines to conduct domestic flights. This breaks down the control exerted by 3 key airlines over 92% of the country’s domestic air travel.

This decision is a crucial enabler for foreign airline businesses looking to operate in Latin America’s largest economy. 

Reason for Doing Business – International connectivity 

Already, Brazil attracts a wide range of foreign investment and business – not to mention a hoard of tourists each year. 

By opening up aviation regulations, Brazil is facilitating increased commercial connectivity through greater options for business and cargo air travel. As a major economic player in the region with economic ties to major trade blocs such as MERCOSUR,  demand for air freight services will likely rise.

The opportunities for cargo (and passenger) airlines have opened up to foreign players, and companies should not delay taking advantage of this commercial potential.

Experienced legal representatives are crucial to success

This process involves establishing a company within Brazil. To achieve this, you’ll be leaning on local commercial, legal and accounting experts to make sure your incorporation process runs smoothly and is fully compliant with local law.

Legal representatives – who you’ll need to appoint as your Power of Attorney (POA) for this process – must act in the best interests of your business by guiding you through proper procedure, and act on your behalf as necessary. To grant POA to your legal representative, you’ll need to issue a formal document or make an oral declaration in court. 

You’ll be trusting your POA with making decisions for your company. For this reason, it’s crucial to find someone who has a comprehensive understanding of local aviation and company formation law. Partnering with someone who does not have a clear grasp on what’s required could result in penalties against your company for failing to comply with relevant regulations. Ensure the best start for your cargo airline by partnering with a trusted, experienced legal services provider in Brazil.

We ensure your commercial success in Brazil

In order to achieve a smooth start in Brazil, we recommend partnering with experienced accounting and legal experts for local support. With the right market entry strategy and top-quality legal and commercial representation, your Brazilian expansion can achieve long-term success.

At Biz Latin Hub, our specialist Brazilian back office team offers comprehensive market entry and back-office services. We provide customized business solutions to suit your needs and act in your best interests.

To find out more, reach out to our Brazilian business experts for personalized advice.