A bill that would allow foreign airlines to fly domestically
within Brazil is awaiting the signature of President Jair Bolsonaro.
The measure, passed by Brazil's House and Senate last week,
builds upon a temporary decree signed in late December by outgoing President
Michael Temer that allows for 100% foreign ownership of airlines operating in
the country. The previous limit was 20%.
Bolsonaro had 15 days from the Brazilian Senate's passage of
the legislation on May 22 to sign it in to law. He has previously voiced
support for the bill, a representative of Embratur (Brazil's tourism board) said
in an email.
Domestic flying in Brazil is dominated by three airlines:
LATAM, Azul and Gol.
Brazil's National Agency of Civil Aviation has already
approved an exploratory license for Spanish carrier Air Europa, which was the
first airline to formally apply to operate domestic passenger service in Brazil.