Rhenus Logistics and Avianca Cargo has successfully transported crated civil helicopters from Miami International Airport in the U.S. to Vitória–Eurico de Aguiar Salles International Airport in Brazil.
This marks the first time a helicopter shipment of this kind has landed at Vitória. 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 an Airbus A330F aircraft, with additional phases continuing beyond 2026.
Rhenus and Avianca Cargo are the first logistics companies to carry out this type of operation at Vitória Airport, offering a complete, end-to-end solution. The entire shipment process is managed by Rhenus and Avianca Cargo teams in both the U.S. and Brazil, covering international air freight, domestic transport, and bonded operations.
The door-to-door solution included:
- Inland transport from California to Florida
- Handling and compliance at Rhenus’ 160,000-square-foot Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) facility in Miami
- Direct air freight via Airbus A330F from Miami (MIA) to Vitória (VIX)
- Customs clearance and final-mile delivery in São Paulo, coordinated with the client’s trading company
“Historically, helicopter shipments into Brazil would land at Viracopos (VCP), requiring complex bonded trucking to Vitória for customs clearance and then returning to São Paulo for final delivery. This process was time-consuming and operationally inefficient,” said Christian Luque, regional head of key accounts, Tech-Trade Americas, Rhenus Logistics. “By flying directly into VIX, 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, and the ability to streamline delivery directly through Vitória represents a major step forward in efficiency and service excellence.”
Given that São Paulo is home to one of the largest helicopter fleets in the world, Rhenus plays a strategic role in supporting Brazil’s expanding agribusiness sector, where helicopters are increasingly used for crop monitoring and operations. Brazil, a leading global producer and exporter of coffee, sugar, and soybeans, recorded agribusiness exports of $164.4 billion in 2024, nearly half of the country’s total exports.
“This operation highlights the expertise and capabilities we’ve developed to handle specialized and oversized cargo, efficiently connecting the United States and Latin America with logistics solutions that create new opportunities for our customers and the region. We will continue strengthening our presence in Brazil and offering innovative alternatives that drive competitiveness and economic development,” said Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.
“We are thrilled to support this operation, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of the helicopters,” said Jacques Nijankin, head of air freight for North America at Rhenus Logistics. “Our expertise in managing complex air freight operations through our Miami gateway allows us to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable transportation to Latin America, particularly for industries like agribusiness that are vital to Brazil’s economy. Being part of this milestone for Vitória highlights our ability to navigate complex logistics and create new opportunities for air cargo in the region.”
