Brazil announces $10.6 million investment in aviation sector

In another strategic move to strengthen Brazil’s leading global destination positioning, the federal government has announced a historic USD $10.6 million investment on its International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI) for 2025. The initiative is expected to generate at least 500,000 new international seats in the upcoming seasons.

The program will be rolled out in phases throughout next year, beginning in late January with a call for proposals focused on regular international flights to unserved regions such as Northeast Brazil. A region that boasts idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine.

In March, the call for charter flights will be launched, and will be followed by sub-regional domestic flights in the second half of the year. Incentivised flights will significantly enhance Brazil’s air connectivity from IATA Summer 2025 onwards.

Marcelo Freixo, president of the Brazilian Tourist Board (Visit Brasil/Embratur), highlighted the program as a leap forward from the pilot project implemented in 2024. "Regionalising our measures for each region of Brazil seems to be the right approach, as different regions face different challenges. I want to see the Northeast competing head to head with the Caribbean and to achieve this, we need to integrate regional promotion. This is a significant step toward generating jobs, income, and development for society", he said.

He emphasised that the initiative stems from collaboration within the Brazilian federal government. The program is a joint effort by Embratur, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Ports and Airports. "We’ve been working together since the first week. What we deliver today is the result of that collaboration. From an initial USD $0.8 million investment on IATA Winter 2024/25, to over USD $10 million, with equal or higher investments of airlines and airports we are on the right path", Freixo added.

As part of the National Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), PATI strengthens public-private partnerships with airlines and airports, expanding Brazil’s international flight network.