Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) published Portaria 20.129/2026 on 8 October, authorising WestJet Airlines to operate regular passenger and cargo services to and from Brazilian airports. The move, reported by UOL and other outlets on 8–9 October, marks the carrier’s first foray into South America. WestJet plans to open a Calgary–São Paulo (GRU) route in March 2027 using Boeing 787-9s, subject to slot allocation and bilateral frequency limits under the Brazil–Canada Air Services Agreement. Codeshare talks with GOL and Azul are underway to provide feed to Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and Recife. For corporate travel buyers the entry of a new competitor on the Canada–Brazil market—currently dominated by Air Canada—could cut average business-class fares by up to 15 percent, according to consultancy SkyPartners. Oil-and-gas companies with operations in Alberta and offshore Brazil stand to benefit from improved crew rotation options. ANAC’s approval follows its recent strategy to diversify long-haul connectivity; in 2026 alone, the agency has granted regular-service licences to Spain’s Wamos Air and Nigeria’s Air Peace. Airports such as Fortaleza and Manaus are also courting WestJet for potential seasonal services to Toronto. WestJet must now secure route economics, ground-handling contracts and a local legal representative as required by Brazil’s Aeronautical Code. ANAC will audit the airline’s safety oversight programme before inaugural flights commence.
Source: UOL Economia
