On August 9, Voepass flight 2283, an ATR-72 traveling from Cascavel to São Paulo, crashed in the town of Vinhedo. A preliminary report pointed to possible ice buildup on the aircraft but did not establish a definitive cause.
Even before the crash, Voepass had drawn regulatory attention over safety concerns. In October, ANAC ordered the airline to take corrective measures, including reducing its network and increasing aircraft maintenance time. However, a fresh round of inspections in late February revealed what ANAC described as "degradation" in the airline’s management system and a "systematic failure to comply with regulatory requirements. "
"ANAC’s decision stems from Voepass' inability to resolve irregularities identified during supervision, as well as the violation of previously established conditions for operations to continue within the required safety standards," the agency stated.
Before the accident, AirlineRatings had assigned Voepass a 5/7 safety rating, reflecting prior concerns about incidents related to safety procedures. However, after the crash and subsequent investigations into its safety failures, the airline’s rating was slashed to 1/7—one of the lowest possible scores—due to mounting operational safety issues.
Voepass acknowledged receiving the suspension order and pledged to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations.
"The company reiterates that its fleet is airworthy and capable of carrying out flights in compliance with strict safety standards," Voepass said.
The airline operates ATR turboprop aircraft and held less than 1% of Brazil's national market share. Before suspension it had six aircraft serving fifteen locations along with two charter contracts.
Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports has backed ANAC’s decision emphasizing that this move is necessary for improving governance at Voepass and enhancing overall aviation safety in Brazil.
For now ,Voepass remains grounded facing an uncertain future as regulators scru tinize its ability meet required standards .
READ: Voepass Crash: Initial Report Released
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