Brazil's Aviation Watchdog Grounds Voepass Amid Safety Concerns

Brazilian airline Voepass has been suspended by aviation regulator ANAC due to safety concerns, following a deadly crash in August. ANAC cited breaches in safety protocols and Voepass' inability to rectify operational issues. The company is determined to demonstrate compliance with required safety standards.

In a decisive action, Brazil's aviation regulator ANAC has temporarily suspended regional airline Voepass, citing unresolved safety concerns. This move comes approximately seven months after a fatal crash impacted the airline's ATR-72 fleet, resulting in the tragic loss of 62 lives after a flight from Cascavel to Sao Paulo went down.

The August crash, one of the deadliest in recent memory, prompted meticulous scrutiny of Voepass by ANAC. Preliminary investigations revealed potential ice buildup but no conclusive cause. Subsequent breaches and systematic failures in compliance have prompted the agency to demand significant operational changes from Voepass.

With ANAC's backing, Brazil's ports and airports ministry underscored the urgency of this suspension, emphasizing the goal of revitalizing governance and elevating aviation safety within the nation's airlines. Voepass maintains its commitment to adhere to safety regulations, asserting that its fleet remains airworthy and compliant with strict safety standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)