Brazil’s ANAC Revokes Voepass’ Air Operator Certificate Following Severe Maintenance Failures

Dergam Mousa

1 day ago

Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has revoked the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Passaredo Transportes Aereos, the main company under the Voepass group. The decision, announced this Tuesday, comes after persistent failures were detected in its Continuous Analysis and Supervision System (SASC), casting doubt on the airline’s operational and safety capabilities. The sanction is definitive and not subject to appeal.

Voepass Under Scrutiny After Vinhedo Accident

This measure marks the conclusion of an assisted operation initiated following the aviation accident on August 9, 2024, in Vinhedo, São Paulo. In response, ANAC suspended Voepass’ operations on March 11, 2025, and launched a thorough inspection process.

During this phase, critical failures were identified in the compliance with mandatory maintenance inspections. These were neither detected nor corrected by the company’s internal controls, revealing a breakdown in its internal oversight system—a key component for ensuring operational safety.

Uncontrolled Maintenance: The Breaking Point

ANAC emphasized that certain maintenance tasks must be performed with the utmost rigor. Some operations—deemed highly critical—require not only technical execution by a qualified professional but also an independent second review to validate that the procedure was carried out correctly.

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This double-check is a regulatory requirement in aviation, designed as a redundant safety barrier to catch errors before an aircraft returns to service. Voepass, however, repeatedly failed to adhere to this protocol, even after being alerted during the assisted operation.

Despite initial corrections, the same issues resurfaced across different aircraft and maintenance tasks, highlighting a systemic inability to maintain safe and reliable processes.

A Decision for Safety

ANAC clarified that while problems can be identified and corrected in any airline, Voepass’ case goes beyond isolated errors. It reflects a complete loss of confidence in the company’s internal mechanisms for detecting and resolving issues, as well as non-compliance with mandatory maintenance procedures.

Faced with this reality, the agency acted decisively. The March suspension was implemented as a precautionary measure, leading to a sanctioning process with the right to defense. With this process concluded, the definitive revocation of the AOC not only penalizes the company but also reinforces a zero-tolerance stance toward practices that jeopardize passenger safety.

Hefty Fine and Immediate Consequences

Alongside the certificate revocation, ANAC imposed financial penalties on Voepass totaling R$ 570,400. This figure reflects the severity of the violations and the repeated breaches of minimum standards required in civil aviation.

The Air Operator Certificate is more than just a document—it represents an airline’s commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational responsibility. Losing this certificate effectively removes Voepass from the Brazilian aviation market, at least for now.

ANAC’s decision marks a turning point in the oversight of regional air transport. The message is clear: without strict adherence to safety protocols, there is no place in Brazil’s skies.

For passengers, this ruling guarantees that the regulatory authority will not hesitate to take drastic measures when safety is at stake. For airlines, it serves as a reminder that internal oversight systems are not mere formalities but the first line of defense against potential tragedies.