Rhenus, Avianca Cargo deliver helicopters from the US to Brazil
Over 35 helicopter shipments are expected to be completed by the end of the year for one of the world’s leading civil helicopter manufacturers through an Airbus A330F aircraft, with additional phases continuing beyond 2026.
Rhenus Logistics and Avianca Cargo have successfully transported crated civil helicopters from Miami International Airport (MIA), USA, to Vitória–Eurico de Aguiar Salles International Airport (VIX), Brazil. This marks the first time in history that a helicopter shipment of this kind has landed in Vitória, Brazil. Over 35 helicopter shipments are expected to be completed by the end of the year for one of the world’s leading civil helicopter manufacturers through an Airbus A330F aircraft, with additional phases continuing beyond 2026.
Rhenus and Avianca Cargo became the first logistics companies to carry out this type of operation at the airport, offering a complete and exclusive solution by eliminating the need for customs road transfers and reducing logistical steps, transit times, and costs. The entire shipment process is being managed by Rhenus and Avianca Cargo teams in the USA and Brazil, covering international air freight, domestic transport, and bonded operations.
The door-to-door solution includes inland transport from California to Florida, handling and compliance at the Rhenus 160,000 sq. ft. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) facility in Miami, direct air freight via Airbus A330F from Miami (MIA) to Vitória (VIX) and 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, then returning to São Paulo for final delivery. This was time-consuming and operationally inefficient,” said Christian Luque, Regional Head Key Accounts Tech-Trade Americas, Rhenus Logistics. “By flying directly into VIX, we’ve eliminated multiple legs and created a faster, leaner, and more cost-effective solution. This operation sets a new benchmark for the airspace high-value 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 growing agribusiness sector, where helicopters are increasingly used for crop monitoring and operations. Considered as one of the leading global producers and exporters of coffee, sugar, and soybeans, Brazil's agribusiness exports reached USD 164.4 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s total exports.
“This operation showcases the expertise and capability we’ve built to handle specialised and oversize cargo, efficiently connecting the United States and Latin America through logistics solutions that open 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.” Affirmed 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 North America for Rhenus Logistics. "Our expertise in managing complex air freight operations through our Miami gateway service allows us to meet the growing demand for quick and reliable transportation to LATAM, especially in industries like agribusiness that are vital to Brazil’s economy. Being part of this milestone for VIX also highlights our ability to navigate complex logistics scenarios and create new opportunities for air cargo in the region.”
