Avion Express Brasil (AEB, São Paulo Viracopos) has obtained its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), its parent holding Avia Solutions Group (ASG) said. The company plans to start operations in the country in March and aims for ten A320-200s by the end of 2025.

The start-up plans to expand its fleet to 25 jets by 2027 or 2028. It is the first operator in Brazil focused on the ACMI market.

Avion Express Brasil currently operates one A320, PR-MLD (msn 3601), which was used for certification flights. It has been parked at São José dos Campos U.E. Stumpf International since January 30.

Chief commercial officer of parent airline Avion Express (X9, Vilnius), Dainius Staniulis, told ch-aviation last year that the Brazilian subsidiary would initially focus on passenger aircraft only but could add freighters down the line if demand materialises.

Avion Express currently operates one A319-100, thirteen A320-200s, and one A321-200. Subsidiary Avion Express Malta's fleet comprises thirty-eight A320-200s and a single A321-200. The company also plans to launch an airline in the Philippines under the Avion Express Philippines brand.

Avion Express Brasil is ASG's first AOC in the Americas. The ANAC's publicly available list of certified airlines was last updated on February 24 and does not yet include Avion Express Brasil.