Both companies have signed a comprehensive contract for the transport of helicopters from the USA to Vitória in Brazil. This is part of a major order comprising 35 helicopters. The helicopters are to be used primarily for crop management and monitoring.
Brazil is a leading producer and exporter of coffee, soybeans and sugar. Last year, agricultural exports from the Latin American country amounted to USD 164.4 billion. This corresponds to about half of Brazil’s total exports. The operation of helicopters allows large areas of farmland to be monitored from the air, including checking the ripeness of agricultural products, determining the harvest time of crops and enabling targeted water management. Rhenus Logistics has played a strategic role in orchestrating the end-to-end solution, from inland transportation in the U.S. to international airlift and final delivery in Brazil.
One crate per flight
Asked about the specifics of the supply chain, Rhenus USA press officer, Janice Betti told CargoForwarder Global that the first helicopter was transported via truck from the production plant in California to Florida. This was done because there are no direct air services from California to Vitória (VIX). Miami (MIA) serves as the main air cargo hub for Latin America, which is why the consolidation took place in MIA. She went on to say that due to the dimensions of the crates, only one helicopter can be accommodated per flight on board of an A330 freighter.
It is worth highlighting that this operation represents a historic and highly specialized air cargo movement, requiring close coordination with airlines, airports, and local authorities.
Rhenus Logistics played a strategic role in orchestrating the end-to-end solution, from inland transportation in the U.S. to international airlift and final delivery in Brazil.
Janice pointed out that “for compliance reasons, we are unable to disclose customer or [helicopter] manufacturer names.”
Faster, leaner, more cost effective
Vitória Eurico Airport is located around 500 km northeast of Rio de Janeiro on the South Atlantic coast. In addition to Avianca, other well-known intercontinental airlines operate scheduled services there, such as TAP Portugal, American Airlines, KLM, LATAM, and Emirates.
The entire helicopter process was jointly managed by the U.S. and Brazilian teams of Rhenus and Avianca Cargo, covering the complete supply chain door to door including customs procedures. “Historically, helicopter shipments into Brazil would land at Viracopos Airport (VCP) near Sao Paulo, requiring complex bonded trucking to Vitória for customs clearance, then returning to São Paulo for final delivery. This practice is 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, emphasized the Rhenus executive.
Avianca Cargo will increase its activities in Brazil
“This operation showcases the expertise and capability we’ve built to handle specialized and oversize cargo, efficiently connecting the United States and Latin America through logistics solutions that open new opportunities for our customers and the region,” affirmed Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo. He went on to say that his Bogota, Colombia-based airline intends to further strengthen its presence in Brazil by offering innovative options to the market that drive competitiveness and economic development.
In response, Jacques Nijankin, Head of Air Freight North America for Rhenus Logistics, pointed out that his company is proud to support this project, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of the helicopters. “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 Latin America, 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,” Nijankin concluded. More helicopter deliveries are to come throughout 2026, Rhenus USA confirmed.
