Rhenus and Avianca Cargo Complete Historic Helicopter Transport from U.S. to Brazil
Rhenus Logistics and Avianca Cargo have completed a landmark air freight operation, transporting crated civil helicopters from Miami International Airport to Vitória–Eurico de Aguiar Salles International Airport in Brazil, marking the first time a shipment of this type has arrived at the Vitória gateway.
The operation represents a new approach to moving high-value helicopter cargo into Brazil. Rhenus plans to complete more than 35 helicopter shipments by the end of the year for one of the world’s leading civil helicopter manufacturers, using Airbus A330F aircraft, with additional phases expected to continue beyond 2026.
Rhenus and Avianca Cargo are the first logistics providers to execute this type of helicopter operation through Vitória Airport. Teams in the United States and Brazil jointly managed the shipment, covering international air freight, domestic transportation, and bonded logistics services.
The door-to-door solution included inland transport from California to Florida, handling and regulatory compliance at Rhenus’ 160,000-square-foot Foreign Trade Zone facility in Miami, direct air freight from Miami to Vitória aboard an Airbus A330F, and customs clearance followed by final-mile delivery in São Paulo, coordinated with the client’s trading company.
“Historically, helicopter shipments into Brazil would land at Viracopos, requiring complex bonded trucking to Vitória for customs clearance and then returning to São Paulo for final delivery,” said Christian Luque, regional head of key accounts for Tech-Trade Americas at Rhenus Logistics. “By flying directly into Vitória, we have eliminated multiple legs and created a faster, leaner, and more cost-effective solution. This operation sets a new benchmark for high-value air cargo in Brazil.”
The new routing is particularly significant for São Paulo, which is home to one of the largest helicopter fleets in the world and serves as a hub for Brazil’s expanding agribusiness sector. Helicopters are increasingly used for crop monitoring and agricultural operations across the country. Brazil, one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of coffee, sugar, and soybeans, recorded agribusiness exports of $164.4 billion in 2024, representing nearly half of the country’s total exports.
“We will continue strengthening our presence in Brazil and offering innovative logistics alternatives that drive competitiveness and economic development,” said Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.
Jacques Nijankin, head of air freight for North America at Rhenus Logistics, said the company’s Miami gateway played a central role in executing the complex move. “We are thrilled to support this operation, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of the helicopters,” he said. “Our experience managing complex air freight through Miami allows us to meet growing demand for fast, reliable transportation to Latin America, particularly for industries like agribusiness that are vital to Brazil’s economy.”
Together, the companies say the Vitória operation demonstrates how alternative gateways can unlock efficiencies for high-value air cargo, while creating new opportunities for specialized logistics in Brazil and across Latin America.
