The Rise and Fall of Voepass: From Expansion to Air Disaster and License Revocation
Business 11 days ago
Voepass began as Passaredo in 1995, operating Embraer Brasília aircraft from Ribeirão Preto. Despite early challenges, including a temporary shutdown in 2002, the airline rebounded and expanded, acquiring MAP Linhas Aéreas in 2019 and rebranding as Voepass. The company thrived on regional routes and partnerships, notably with Latam, but its fortunes changed dramatically after the Vinhedo crash.
The 2024 disaster, involving an ATR 72-500, exposed operational vulnerabilities and triggered financial collapse. Loss of the Latam partnership, failed recovery attempts, and Anac’s sanctions sealed its fate. Investigations revealed systemic issues, while families of the victims sought justice through documentaries like ’81 Seconds,’ which chronicled the tragedy’s human toll.
Voepass’s story mirrors the volatile aviation industry, where rapid growth, economic shifts, and tragic events can redefine a company’s legacy. Once a regional leader, its downfall serves as a cautionary tale about safety, regulation, and corporate resilience in crisis.