A consortium led by Brazilian air-taxi operator Fly Brasil Taxi Aéreo has bought ailing domestic carrier Transbrasil, with plans to relaunch services by March.
Dilson Prado da Fonseca,owner of the Goiania-based air-taxi firm, acquired a 75% stake from the Omar Fontana family and former chief executive officer Antonio Cipriani for 1 real ($0.46). Sources suggest he is a front for foreign companies keen to enter the Brazilian market.
Transbrasil ceased operations on 3 December. The new owners will absorb its $397.2 million debt, and invest $25 million, followed by a further $87.3 million over the next six months.
Fonseca plans to add to the carrier's grounded fleet.
Source: Flight International
