Air services agreement could herald direct Ireland-Brazil flights 

Talks are underway on a new air services agreement between Ireland and Brazil which could lead to direct flights between the two countries. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Talks are underway on a new air services agreement between Ireland and Brazil which could lead to direct flights between the two countries.

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien has begun formal negotiations on an agreement with Brazil's ports and airports minister Silvio Costa Filho. An Air Services Agreement provides a legal and regulatory framework to operate scheduled air services. 

There are currently no direct flights to South America from Ireland. An air services agreement would need to pass various domestic procedures in both countries to allow for direct services, facilitating the introduction of direct scheduled flights between the two countries, should any commercial operator wish to begin services. 

“A bilateral air services agreement between Ireland and Brazil would send a strong signal to industry of the commitment our two Governments have to facilitating direct connectivity between our two countries which would realise significant benefits for tourism and trade and further develop the growing bonds between our people," said Mr O'Brien. "I am optimistic about the pace of progress, and I look forward to both sides bringing the agreement to fruition in due course.” 

There are now more than 40,000 Brazilians living in Ireland, with some estimates putting the numbers living here closer to 60,000. Meanwhile Enterprise Ireland and IDA both have their regional offices headquartered in Brazil, while the Mercosur trade agreement faces a legal review and ratification by the European parliament before approval.

Some airlines have already informally expressed an interest in a direct Ireland-Brazil route. Any new direct service could provide onward connectivity in South America via hubs including São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport.

“The bilateral air services agreement between Brazil and Ireland represents an opportunity not only to expand aviation links between the two countries, but also to boost tourism between Latin America and Europe. This is an important milestone for both governments, which have demonstrated mutual interest in opening new markets," said Mr Filho.