Court Ruling Offers Voepass Lifeline Through Slot Leasing Amid Operational Crisis
A judicial decision issued Tuesday (13) may offer a crucial reprieve for Voepass, the Ribeirão Preto-based airline struggling to restructure following the suspension of its operations. The Brazilian Federal Court authorized the company to lease its airport slots to other carriers, a move that could generate revenue and stave off financial collapse.
The injunction was granted by Judge José Guilherme Di Rienzo Marrey, who ruled that the slots remain the property of Voepass, despite the activity suspension imposed by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
“Given that the slots still belong to the claimant, I authorize their leasing, with monthly reporting,” the judge stated.
As reported by g1, the court's decision follows ANAC’s recent announcement of the temporary release of 28 Voepass slots at São Paulo’s Congonhas and Guarulhos airports for redistribution among other airlines. The agency based its move on Voepass’s failure to meet the minimum operational standards during the 2025 summer season.
Voepass had its operating license suspended on March 11, after an ANAC audit found serious safety violations. The audit was triggered by the August 2024 crash in Vinhedo (SP), which resulted in 62 fatalities and intensified the airline’s financial woes. Voepass subsequently filed for judicial recovery, a process still underway, according to AEROIN, our media partner in Brazil.
With permission now granted to lease its slots, Voepass hopes to generate cash flow while grounded. In its legal filing, the airline noted that slot leasing is a common strategy used by other carriers in similar situations, and is permitted under ANAC Resolution 682/2022, which allows the transfer of time slots between operators.
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The airline argued that leasing its slots is essential for financial reorganization, preserving jobs, repaying debts, and maintaining a foothold in the market. “Despite the crisis and temporary suspension, Voepass still holds a license to operate regular flights and continues to attract investor interest,” the company stated.
The **commercial use of its Congonhas and Guarulhos slots—some of the most valuable in Brazil—**could be key to avoiding bankruptcy and giving Voepass time to meet ANAC’s safety requirements and resume operations.
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