Aerospace market in Brazil

Brazil has one of the largest aerospace markets in the world, supported by:

  • a significant aircraft manufacturing base
  • an extensive aviation value chain
  • strong demand for innovative technologies and services. 

The country is home to the world's third-largest aircraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM), whose strong order backlog reflects continued demand and supports the aviation industry's post-pandemic recovery.

The industry offers opportunities for Canadian companies across areas such as:

  • aircraft parts and systems
  • maintenance
  • repair and overhaul
  • training
  • sustainable aviation technologies
  • advanced air mobility, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) solutions

Brazil also has one of the largest aircraft fleets globally, with 21,776 civil aircraft and 700 military aircraft registered in the country. São Paulo is home to one of the world's largest helicopter fleets. This creates ongoing demand for cost-effective maintenance, repair, overhaul, and training services.

Industry highlights

21,776 aircrafts in the Brazilian Civil and Military fleet  

More than CAD 1 billion in annual direct and indirect aerospace exports from Canada to Brazil 

More than 133,000 drones registered as of 2024 

664 maintenance, repair, and overhaul centres in Brazil

13 operational Brazilian satellites in orbit 

Key opportunities for Canadian aerospace companies in Brazil

Aircraft manufacturing and supply chains

Brazil's aircraft manufacturing sector and associated supply chains continue to create opportunities for Canadian aerospace companies. Growth is expected in areas related to sustainable aviation, including:

  • alternative fuels
  • hydrogen-powered aircraft
  • electric aircraft
  • advanced air mobility technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles

Space

Demand for satellite applications in Brazil continues to grow, creating opportunities in optical, radar, and telecommunications satellites and related services. Emerging "New Space" activities, including launch services and space-based solutions, may also provide opportunities for partnerships between Canadian and Brazilian organizations.

Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)

Opportunities exist in applications requiring advanced payloads and long-range operations, including:

  • mining
  • oil and gas
  • power utilities
  • surveillance
  • forestry
  • precision agriculture

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)

Brazil has 664 certified maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities across the country, supporting one of the largest aircraft fleets in the world. The presence of major commercial airline maintenance operations, business aviation service providers, and engine repair facilities contributes to sustained demand and growth opportunities across the MRO value chain.

Notable challenges for Canadian aerospace companies in Brazil

Aircraft manufacturing and supply chains

Companies seeking opportunities in Brazil's aircraft manufacturing supply chain face challenges common to major aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These include high performance requirements, competitive cost structures, and risk-sharing arrangements. Companies may also need to make significant capital investments. Business development cycles can be lengthy and are often tied to aircraft development and production timelines.

Space

In the upstream space segment, market opportunities may be influenced by changes in government funding and investment priorities. Companies should consider how budget fluctuations can affect demand for space-related products and services.

MRO

Customs procedures for aircraft parts can affect service timelines. Suppliers may need to maintain local inventory to meet customer requirements and reduce delivery delays.

Drone supplier competition

The remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) market is highly competitive, particularly in lower-cost product segments. Many products are supplied by established international manufacturers. Opportunities may exist in specialized applications that require advanced capabilities. These include:

  • agriculture
  • forestry
  • mining
  • infrastructure monitoring
  • industrial operations

Brazilian business landscape

  • Aerospace products and services are among the leading categories of bilateral trade between Canada and Brazil.
  • Most aerospace parts and components enter Brazil duty-free.
  • Brazil is an active participant in international aviation and space organizations. Domestic regulations are generally aligned with standards used by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
  • Brazil's aerospace sector is well integrated into global supply chains and international markets. As a result, business practices and commercial processes are generally familiar to Canadian companies operating internationally.

Summary

Brazil is one of the world's largest aerospace markets. It is home to one of the largest aircraft fleets globally and the world's third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer. Opportunities exist across:

  • aircraft manufacturing and supply chains
  • maintenance
  • repair and overhaul
  • remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)
  • and space technologies

Contact us

To learn more about opportunities in Brazil's aerospace sector, contact the Trade Commissioner Service in São Paulo at commerce.br@international.gc.ca. Trade Commissioners can provide market intelligence, advice on market entry strategies, and support in identifying potential partners and business opportunities.

Additional Information

Date published:

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