Direct A330F service eliminates multi-leg bonded trucking via Viracopos, targeting 35+ shipments by year-end for agribusiness sector
Rhenus Logistics and Avianca Cargo have transported crated civil helicopters from Miami International Airport (MIA) in the US to Vitória–Eurico de Aguiar Salles International Airport (VIX) in Brazil.
This operation by Rhenus and Avianca Cargo marks the first time a helicopter shipment of this kind has landed at VIX, said Rhenus.
The entire shipment process is managed by Rhenus and Avianca Cargo teams in both the US and Brazil, covering international airfreight, domestic transport, and bonded operations.
The operation included inland transport from California to Florida; handling and compliance at Rhenus’ facility in Miami; direct airfreight via Airbus A330Fs from Miami (MIA) to Vitória (VIX); and customs clearance and final-mile delivery in São Paulo.
Rhenus plans to complete more than 35 helicopter shipments by the end of the year for the civil helicopter manufacturer. The forwarder added that A330Fs will continue to be used for these operations and additional phases of this work will continue beyond 2026.
“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.”
Brazil’s expanding agribusiness sector utilises helicopters for crop monitoring and operations.
Brazil, a major global producer and exporter of coffee, sugar, and soybeans, recorded agribusiness exports of $164.4bn in 2024, nearly half of the country’s total exports.
Diogo Elias, Avianca Cargo chief executive, said: “This operation highlights the expertise and capabilities we’ve developed to handle specialised and oversized cargo, efficiently connecting the United States and Latin America with logistics solutions that create new opportunities for our customers and the region."
Jacques Nijankin, head of airfreight for North America at Rhenus Logistics, added: “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."
