Will Brazil be open to Expats in the future?
 

Currently as I understand it, one must be a Brazilian national to fly or a Brazilian carrier, however there have been rumors circulating for several years that due to a pilot shortage in the nation, the government was considering a move to allow (perhaps to even a limited extent) the entry of expats into the pilot market.

Does anyone with any knowledge of the region have any information on whether or not progress is being made on this?

My background: FO here in the states, married to a Brazilian, speak little Portuguese but working on fluency. Though I like it here, I like Brazil, having been there several times, and am open to the possibility of relocating if the market is good.

I have a friend who now lives in the States who worked for TAM in another capacity but currently flies corporate here, and he clued me into some QOL concerns about the airlines in Brazil, specifically with regard to too few days off per month (sometimes down to 8/mo). This being the case, flying corporate in Brazil is an option but I don't know if expats can even fly corporate in Brazil--unless I suppose N# A/C.

Appreciate any insight..

Looking to get out of the deep, cavernous toxic waste dump that is the U.S. Airline Industry.

Why don't you get your spouse to sponsor you for Brazilian residency and eventually citizenship? Nothing wrong with having two passports.

If married to a Brazilian, you are still required to have a period of residency in the nation prior to being able to apply for citizenship. My understanding is 1 year or so.

He said "Brazillian"!!

He did say "Brazilian" but he used one (l) instead of two. LOL

Brazilian then. Either way, it's a nice visual.

Pilot Shortage in Brazil...I don't think so! There are Brazilian pilots all over the world that would love to return to a decent job in their country. I am currently working in the middle east after a short time in China. In both places, many companies employ Brazilians that had jobs curtailed. As I understand however, the tide is changing due to their economic recovery. Things are getting better including Brazilian aviation. But many still have problems with the security and are reluctant to give up a solid job to return to this tide of change. Pilot shortage in Brazil...not!

After the way the Excelaire Legacy guys were treated, I'm not sure I'd venture down to Brazil to work as an expat.

I agree with you, there are many Brazilian pilots working as expats but the key is returning to a "decent job" there are many Latinos working abroad as well and being one, I can assure you that going back to living within our culture, our humor, our cuisine is a very nice prospect but with the T&C's that are being offered right now, I wouldn't do it:mad:

I would think about it, especially if you fly for a regional airline. I took a job in Colombia and I actually enjoy it. It is not Brazil, but had the apportunity to get into an A320 with low hours. I think Latin America is a good steping stone if you want to move into better jobs overseas. It's a shortcut to fly bigger equipment. Look at Brazil like an adventure, and maybe it would lead you to a better opportunity. Now, if you fly for a major, don't even think about it.

MDT