A new report from the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Institute sheds light on the Brazilian city of São José dos Campos’ growing role in the future of urban and regional air transportation.
Sponsored by Moya Aero, the report, Elevating Brazilian Mobility: São José dos Campos, the Air Capital of Latin America examines the current state of Brazil’s Advanced Air Mobility sector, exploring key players, regulatory developments, and the opportunities ahead for eVTOL projects.
Authored by Fernanda Siniscalchi, the AAM Institute’s Liaison to Brazil, and Larissa Paganelli, the Regulatory Affairs Officer for Brazil’s aviation authority DECEA, the report highlights the significance of São José dos Campos, dubbed ‘the Silicon Valley of Brazil’.
The region is home to Embraer, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers. Companies like Eve Air Mobility, Moya Aero, and Vertical Connect are also advancing eVTOL developments in the region, with operations targeted by 2030.
“São José dos Campos was the birthplace of Embraer 55 years ago. With the rise of the aviation industry in the region and the specialisation of professionals at the Aeronautics Technological Institute, many other companies and educational institutions were founded to follow this movement, turning the city into a hub of aviation with the most expert engineers,” said Fernanda Siniscalchi, author of the report.
Brazil is already a significant player in the helicopter sector, with São Paulo poised to become a major hub for eVTOL operations due to its extensive helipad network. Cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Brasília are also expected to adopt these new technologies, with air taxis, cargo transport, and tourism highlighted as primary use cases.
Challenges include the need for improved electrical grid capacity, affordable ticket pricing, and better airspace control. Brazil ranked 11th on KPMG’s 2023 list of the most prepared countries for eVTOLs, yet concerns remain about busy airspace in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília.
The report notes that public trust will be essential to the success of AAM, both in Brazil and globally. Siniscalchi emphasises, “Public trust may be crucial to the success or failure of AAM in certain locations, making community engagement essential for building that trust and acceptance.”
Regulatory bodies such as ANAC and DECEA are working to establish the legal frameworks necessary for the safe integration of this new technology into Brazil’s infrastructure, although regulation is still in its early stages.
As the variety of eVTOL designs introduces new certification and infrastructure challenges, collaboration among industry stakeholders is critical. “The variety of configurations among eVTOL vehicles is proving to be a challenge for both certification and infrastructure development…The key to success at this stage is for industry players to collaborate and establish shared standards,” added Siniscalchi.
