Voepass operations suspended by ANAC in wake of fatal crash
March 12, 2025
The Brazilian civil aviation authority ANAC has suspended Voepass operations “as a precautionary measure”, effective immediately (as of 11 March 2024), which will remain in effect “until proof of correction of non-conformities related to the company’s management systems provided for in regulations is provided for”.
The decision follows an investigation into the fatal crash of Flight 2283 back in August 2024. All 48 passengers and four crewmembers were killed when the ATR-72-500 twin-engine turboprop plunged to the ground in a suburban area of Vinhedo, São Paolo. With an assisted inspection operation subsequently initiated by ANAC at Voepass’ facilities, the regulator has since determined that Voepass has been unable to “resolve irregularities during the supervision carried out by the Agency, as well as well as the violation of previously established conditions for the continuity of the operation within the required safety standards”.
Although an initial ANAC investigation into Voepass facilities “required measures such as reducing the network, increasing aircraft ground time for maintenance, changing administrators and implementing the action plan to correct irregularities” in October 2024, these were found to have been overlooked, explained ANAC. After further audits, “the degradation of the efficiency of the company’s management system in relation to the monitored activities and the systematic non-compliance with the requirements made by the Agency were identified”.
Additionally, ANAC cites “a breach of trust in the company’s internal processes,” with ANAC considering irregularities it previously believed to have been remedied to have returned.
Commenting that the cessation of its operations has ”an immeasurable impact on thousands of Brazilians who use regional aviation every day and rely on its service,” Voepass pledged to “do everything [it] can to resume cooperation as soon as possible”. With a fleet of six aircraft serving 15 locations with commercial flights and two with charter contracts, Voepass reiterated its belief that “its fleet in operation is airworthy and capable of carrying out flights in compliance with the strict requirements of safety standards”.
Voepass has previously indicated that the airline follows “absolutely all protocols, which attest to the compliance of [its] procedures and equipment with the highest standards of international aviation,” concluding that it also remained committed to “fully collaborating with the competent authorities throughout the [accident] investigation process so that the causes of the accident are clarified as soon as possible”. Although the conclusive reason behind the crash has yet to be confirmed, a preliminary accident investigation report produced by Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Centre (CENIPA) confirmed that the aircraft encountered icing conditions along its route.
