Resource center developed to help navigate challenging operating environment
“Authorities are estimating more than 480,000 visitors will be in Rio de Janeiro during the games, which will put an enormous stress on local infrastructure and support services. Operators attending the Brazil Summer Games or operating to Brazil during this period need to begin planning now,” explained Edmond Yuen, Manager, Asia-Pacific Operations Center, Universal.
“The greatest challenge for GA operations to Brazil during the Summer Games period will be parking approvals at primary airports. Aircraft parking will be much more of an issue than obtaining airport slots,” Adonis Bastos, Flight Coordinator, Universal Aviation Brazil. Universal Aviation is the ground support division of Universal.
To assist operators in identifying the requirements for this event, Universal has developed a comprehensive 2016 Brazil Summer Games Trip Planning Resource Center (www.universalweather.com/brazil2016). The site was designed based on best practice learned from previous high-traffic events and is continuously updated with information and intelligence gathered from Universal’s presence on the ground in Brazil, including Universal Aviation locations and its Sao Paulo-based Brazil Operations Center. The site provides information on airport slot requirements, visa considerations, airport information, landing permits, NOTAMs, and more.
Airport slots will be required for eight major Brazilian airports from August 1 through September 20. The official slot process has not yet been issued, but it’s expected that the process will be online and similar to what was in place for last year’s World Cup. Brazilian authorities have not yet determined parking availability at each of the eight slot-coordinated airports. It’s important to note that receiving an airport slot does not mean parking is confirmed. A separate parking request must be sent to the airport authorities by the operator’s ground handler.
“The Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (SBGL) airport administration is determining parking options and will announce this information in the near future, while Campinas Viracopos International Airport SBKP only has three GA parking spots available at any given time,” explained Bastos.
Another issue to consider when operating to Brazil is Zika virus requirements. Though some countries have implemented requirements for operators, Brazil hasn’t imposed any such requirements at this time. However, it is recommended that you monitor the Centers for Disease Control website for the latest on the Zika virus.
“So much traffic is expected in Brazil, organizers of the 2016 Latin Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition (LABACE2016) have moved the event two weeks later so it doesn’t overlap with the peak Summer Games,” said Yuen. “The best advice we can give is to plan ahead, attempt to confirm parking and hotel accommodations at primary airports as early as possible, and have contingency plans ready in the event it becomes necessary to reposition your aircraft.”
For more information and the latest updates, visit Universal ABACE2016 exhibit #H317, or visit the Universal 2016 Brazil Summer Games Trip Planning Resource Center.
Flight departments partner with Universal for one reason – they need their international missions to execute smoothly and successfully. And that’s what we help operators do best. With us, you’ll have access to the industry’s best expertise, global resources, information, and technologies to amplify your flight department’s capabilities, and we’ll work tirelessly with you to eliminate sources of risk and friction from your missions. That’s why we’re trusted to manage more global trip legs per year than anyone else and have been the industry leader in supporting international missions for over 65 years. By partnering with us and adding our capabilities to yours, you will be able to achieve more with your flight department than ever before.
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