After 77 years, the United Kingdom and Brazil sign a new aviation agreement

The United Kingdom and Brazil signed a new air services agreement today (10), marking a new milestone in the sector after nearly 80 years and allowing airlines from both countries to expand their flight rights. The signing was officially conducted by the Brazilian government and the British Ambassador to Brazil, Stephanie Al-Qaq.

In addition to facilitating trade and tourism, the agreement also provides additional transit rights for shipping services, allowing British and Brazilian shipping companies to operate “to” and “from” third countries.

The new agreement will replace the previous agreement, effective October 1946, and reaffirms the mutual commitment to enhance safety and efficiency in the aviation sector, and to further develop trade and tourism between the two countries.

“I am delighted to sign today the first air services agreement between the UK and Brazil since 1946. Air connectivity is important to both Brazil and the UK. This agreement expands the rights of airlines to fly between our two countries and helps ensure that flights are safer,” Ambassador Al-Qaqa explained.

With the new agreement and aligned agendas, the UK and Brazil are ready to enhance cooperation in various aviation fields, promoting economic development and air connectivity between the two countries.

According to VisitBritain, the official British government body responsible for promoting tourism to Great Britain around the world, tourism is forecast to grow by 5% throughout 2024 compared to last year.

“I hope to see more Brazilians in the UK – and British people in Brazil,” Ambassador Al-Qaq commented.

Brazil remains one of the countries with the biggest growth in tourism after the pandemic, with the UK one of the most sought-after destinations for Brazilians.

“Brazilians’ demand for the UK as a travel destination is growing at an accelerating pace. During 2023, we see Brazilians breaking historical records every quarter in terms of visitation and spending volume – in the first quarter, for example, there were 93,000 Brazilians staying in the UK, spending R$670 million – the highest number on record for the period, and double the figures from the previous year,” explained Priscilla Moraes, Director of VisitBritain in Brazil.