Líder Aviação is meeting the increasing demand for aircrafts and aviation services in the state.

Minas Gerais has the largest road network in Brazil and more than 3,100 miles of railroads, linking it to the three main Brazilian ports and allowing rapid access to national and international markets. The state itself has five inland ports. However, for an area roughly the same size as Arizona and Nevada combined, efficient, extensive and safe air transportation remains a priority requirement.
There are 82 airports in Minas, including the Tancredo Neves International Airport in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area. Recently, its passenger handling capacity was increased by the transfer of flights from the smaller Pampulha airport, a move undertaken in order to cope with Brazil’s constantly growing air traffic. In addition to drawing more international airlines to the airport, the aim is to increase the airport’s cargo and commercial activities, strengthening its position as a connection point and generating more business for the state.

José Afonso Assumpçáo Owner and founder of Líder Aviação

Currently creating a greater demand for air transportation in Minas Gerais are the state’s thriving steel and mining industries. Executive aviation provider Líder Aviação has seen this reflected directly in aircraft sales, one of the many commercial branches the company is engaged in. Starting out almost 50 years ago as an air taxi outfit, Líder Aviação has recently re-branded itself to highlight the fact that it also handles insurance, training, maintenance, air ambulances and airport safety.

“Today helicopters represent our largest share of revenues,” says Eduardo de Pereira Vaz, the company’s President. According to Mr. Vaz, a key element of Líder’s success has been its business philosophy. Owner and founder José Afonso Assumpção built up the company by introducing new ideas and products. “We constantly search for improvements, either on the organizational level or in equipment,” says Mr. Assumpção. Líder was the first to fly jets in Brazil commercially and has become the largest aviation firm in Latin America. Although it has expanded beyond its Minas Gerais beginnings, Líder Aviação remains closely linked to the state. “We have grown in a very ‘Mineira’ way: slowly, but very sustainably,” says its owner.