A LATAM long-haul jet landing in Paris.
Airlines serving the Brazil-France market are set to gain new flexibility after the countries reached agreement on a modernized air services framework that expands traffic rights and unlocks additional frequencies.
The two governments have concluded a new bilateral air services agreement to replace the existing 1965 accord, with the updated framework set to be applied immediately at an administrative level through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Formal ratification of the treaty will follow, but authorities in both countries can already begin implementing the new rules.
Brazil’s Ports and Airports Ministry says the agreement reflects a broader effort to align the bilateral framework with contemporary global aviation practices and remove constraints that have limited growth.
For passenger and combined passenger-cargo services, the agreement allows for the addition of 14 new long-haul frequencies, lifting the total ceiling to as many as 50 weekly flights. Existing regional frequencies of 14 per week are retained, while geographic and capacity restrictions that previously applied have been relaxed.
In cargo markets, the revised framework introduces clearer rules for freighter operations and expands fifth-freedom rights, allowing airlines to carry cargo between third countries beyond their home markets.
“This agreement is a direct result of our institutional agenda in Paris and constant dialogues maintained with representatives of French aviation, representing a concrete advance in air relations between Brazil and France,” Brazil’s Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho says. “We modernized an agreement that had been outdated for decades, expanded frequencies and created real conditions to strengthen connectivity, stimulate new routes and expand opportunities for passengers and the productive sector.”
According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, the Brazil-France market is currently served nonstop by Air France, which operates from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Sao Paulo Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro Galeao, Fortaleza and Salvador, and LATAM Airlines Group, which flies daily between Sao Paulo Guarulhos and Paris. Brazilian carrier Azul also operates a northern summer seasonal service between Sao Paulo Viracopos-Campinas and Paris Orly.
The market currently offers about 22,100 two-way weekly seats across 35 roundtrip flights, with Air France accounting for roughly 81% of capacity, according to OAG. Sabre Market Intelligence data shows O&D traffic of 1.02 million two-way passengers in the 12 months to June 2025, up 20% year-on-year, with nearly half of travelers flying nonstop.
The updated framework comes ahead of Routes Americas 2026, which is taking place in Rio de Janeiro from March 3-5 and hosted by Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport, Rio de Janeiro City Hall, Invest Rio and Visit Rio.
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