Panair do Brasil was the largest airline in Brazil until 1965, when it was forced to close by the military government. Panair was a pioneer in Brazil-Europe route and was known for its innovation and technology called “Padrão Panair” (Panair’s Quality)
On March 7, 1929 NYRBA (New York - Rio de Janeiro - Buenos Aires) was created, an airline with flights between the USA and South America. The first flight occurred on June 11 with a Sikorsky S-38. On October 15 NYRBA was allowed to fly to Brazil and on December 23 began fligths to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.
On January 24, 1930 was created "NYRBA do Brasil", because Brazilian law only gave equal competition if the company establish a subsidiary in Brazil. But in April of the same year, NYRBA was purchased by Pan Am. Therefore on October 17, NYRBA was renamend to Panair do Brasil. Panair began operations with four Consolidated Commodore and four Sikorsky S-38 from Pan Am, domestic network, connecting Rio de Janeiro to Belém (flight lasted five days!), and connections with Pan Am’s routes.
In 1935 the company acquired its first Brazilian pilot, so far all crew was American.
In 1936 received two Fairchild 91 and two Lockheed 10E Electra.
In the Second World War, Panair do Brasil built and maintained São Luis, Fortaleza, Belém, Natal, Recife, Maceió and Salvador airport.
In June 1940 came the first DC-2.
On April 27, 1941 Panair do Brasil started flights to Europe, on route Rio de Janeiro – Recife – Dakar – Lisbon – Paris – London. Panair received the Lockheed 049 Constellation, being the first airline outside the USA to operate this aircraft and also the first international airline to land on the newly-inaugurated Heathrow airport in London. Panair do Brasil was one of the first airlines with regular flights to Europe post the Second World War. In June the airline launches routes to Asuncion. The company also received several DC-3 after the war, reaching 23 units in operation simultaneously.
In December 1943 Pan Am’s share was reduced to 58%.
In 1947 Panair inaugurated routes to Cairo, Istanbul, Madrid and Rome and in 1948 to Zurich, Frankfurt, Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
In 1952 Panair would be one of the first airlines in the world to operate jet, with the Comet I. But the order was canceled due to accidents involving the aircraft. In its place came six DC-7. Until 1954 Panair inaugurated flights to Santiago, Lima, Beirut, Dusseldorf and Hamburg. But also in the 50's Panair’s problems began after three accidents with its Constellations. Also in 1959 Varig began flights with jets and Panair "run" to get its jets too. The airline finally received it first jet on March 21, 1961: two DC-8-33. At that time the company was fully owned by Brazilians.
In July 1962 came the first Caravelle VI-R. But the company faced more accidents. One DC-8 crashed in Guanabara bay shortly after takeoff. It was the first accident involving a jet aircraft in Brazil. In addition the company was in financial difficulties, crating a rumor that Panair had no money to maintain its aircrafts.
In 1964 the Brazilian military government was created and classified the relationship between Panair and Pan Am as "threat to national sovereignty”. Also the ties of Panair’s top executives with former presidents Juscelino Kubitschek, João Goulart and Jânio Quadros turned Panair into an "enemy".
On February 10, 1965 Panair’s president received a telegram from the government saying that the company's operating certificate was revoked. Five days after Panair’s bankruptcy was officially enacted and the government seized its assets. The domestic routes and three Caravelle were transferred to Cruzeiro do Sul and the international routes and DC-8 were transferred to Varig. It was clear that Panair’s closing had already been planned, otherwise it would be impossible for Varig operate all Panair's international routes at the same day, with no flights cancellations and all passengers boarded.
In December 1984 the Supreme Court concluded that Panair’s bankruptcy was a fraud, but it was too late.

 

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Founded: 1929
Ceased: 1965
Hubs: Santos Dumont, Galeão
Headquarters: Rio de Janeiro
Code: PAB / PB

 

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