Placar Linhas Aéreas

Placar Linhas Aéreas
IATA ICAO Call sign
– PLS PLACAR
FoundedOctober 5, 2022; 2 years ago (October 5, 2022)
Commenced operationsAugust 4, 2023; 15 months ago (August 4, 2023)
AOC #9.337 – July 6, 2023[1]
HubsBertram Luiz Leupolz Airport
Secondary hubsSão Paulo Guarulhos International Airport
Fleet size1 (+1) (as of April 2024)
HeadquartersSão Paulo, Brazil
Key people

Placar Linhas Aéreas is a Brazilian non-scheduled passenger and cargo airline, founded in 2022 and headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. It received its first plane and began operations in 2023, focusing on transporting football teams to play local matches in Brazil and also in other countries in South America.

History

Establishment

Placar Linhas Aéreas was founded on October 5, 2022, by Brazilian billionaires Jose Roberto Lamacchia and Leila Mejdalani Pereira, his wife, the fourth richest woman in Brazil in Forbes' The World's Billionaires ranking.[2][3][4] The business couple owns Crefisa, one of the largest personal credit companies founded in 1964.[5]

Background

Pereira is best known for being, since 2021, the president of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, a professional football team in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the team's history and at the top of the Brazilian football league system.[6] And it was precisely because she headed a football team that, thinking about Palmeiras' travel logistics and the setbacks the team faced, that Pereira decided to create an airline not only to serve her own team, but to offer other football teams another option to travel to matches in Brazil and South America.[7]

On January 30, 2023, during a meeting of the Palmeiras' Deliberative Council, Leila informed the team's advisors that she bought the first plane for Placar Linhas Aéreas, an Embraer E-Jet E2, which would be available to transport the players and the entire Palmeiras technical team to matches.[8] The announcement generated questions from fans and other members of the team's council who oppose her presidency, mainly about the costs of the plane and the financial viability of its operation, with Leila clarifying to the press that the plane is hers and that Palmeiras I wouldn't pay to use it.[9]

Embraer E190-E2 Demonstrator at the Farnborough International Airshow

On February 18, 2023, through a publication on her account on the social network Instagram, Leila Pereira revealed that Placar's first plane would be an Embraer E190-E2 (MSN 19020015)[citation needed] purchased directly from Embraer.[10] The plane was part of an order from Chinese airline Fuzhou Airlines, however, the company canceled the order. It was later temporarily leased to the Norwegian Widerøe and returned to the manufacturer, receiving the special Profit Hunter Tech Shark livery and being used as a demonstrator aircraft. At the time of acquisition, the aircraft was stored at the headquarters of Embraer's Portuguese subsidiary, OGMA, in Alverca, Portugal.[11]

After being prepared in Portugal and receiving Placar's colors, the E190-E2 was transferred to the airline's operations base at Bertram Luiz Leupolz Airport in Sorocaba, São Paulo.[12]

On June 27, 2023, it was officially delivered by Embraer to the airline in a ceremony at the Brazilian manufacturer's headquarters in São José dos Campos.[13][14][15] Placar's first plane received the Brazilian aeronautical registration PS-LMP,[16] the initials of its founder, Leila Mejdalani Pereira.[17][18]

First years (2023–present)

Placar's first flight took place on August 4, 2023, transporting the Palmeiras delegation from Sorocaba to Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro.[19][20][21][22] On August 18, the plane was used again by Palmeiras, this time to fly to Marechal Rondon International Airport in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.[23]

On August 21, 2023, made its international debut, once again transporting the team's delegation, between São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport and Matecaña International Airport, in Pereira, Colombia.[24][25][26] Upon returning to Brazil, on August 24 the plane presented a technical problem with one of the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines, preventing it from taking off from Pereira and forcing the Palmeiras delegation to resort to chartering a Boeing 737 MAX 8 from GOL Linhas Aéreas, paid for by Leila Pereira herself, owner of Placar Linhas Aéreas and president of the football team.[27][28][29]

Pratt & Whitney PW1000G technical issues and grounded plane

Main article: Pratt & Whitney PW1000G § Operational history

On August 28, 2023, after resolving the engine issue, the Placar Linhas Aéreas E190-E2 finally returned to Brazil, landing in São Paulo Guarulhos and later flying to its base in Sorocaba, fulfilling the team's entire matches schedule for more than a month.[30][31] On September 26, it was used again for an international flight, this time towards the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.[32]

The plane continued to fly until October 25, 2023, when it took off from São Paulo to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and later to Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon, Georgia, where the Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services (MRO) is located in the United States.[33][34]

According to the Brazilian press, the reason for the transfer for maintenance in the United States is related to technical issues with Pratt & Whitney engines that globally affect the fleet of several models, such as the Airbus A220, Airbus A320neo and the Embraer E-Jet E2 family. The problem was caused by contamination of a metallic powder used in the manufacture of engine parts, such as high-pressure turbine discs and high-pressure compressor discs.[35][36]

On January 18, 2024, Leila Pereira assured that the plane should return to Brazil very soon, ensuring that Palmeiras' logistics will be assured for the 2024 match season, which will begin on April 14. And while it is not being used by Palmeiras, the plane will be available to be chartered by other football teams, travel agencies, among other clients.[37]

On April 29, 2024, after six months on the ground undergoing maintenance in the United States, the E190-E2 registration PS-LMP returned to Brazil, flying between Macon, Fort Lauderdale and Manaus, from where it will continue on April 30 to the base of Placar Linhas Aéreas operations in Sorocaba. The expectation is that the plane will return to transport the Palmeiras team in the coming weeks.[38]

Future

On February 17, 2024, the website Nosso Palestra, linked to Palmeiras, revealed that the businesswoman and president of the team acquired a second Embraer E190-E2 for Placar Linhas Aéreas.[39] The plane in question would be the E-Jet E2 registration PR-ERQ (MSN 19020016), also canceled by Fuzhou Airlines and which has been at the manufacturer's headquarters in São José dos Campos since 2021 waiting for a future customer, as other potential customers, such as Somon Air, Congo Airways and Madagascar Airlines, also rejected it.[40]

It would be undergoing an interior reconfiguration for a 98-seat layout and delivery should take place in March, the publication indicated, citing sources close to the airline. Also according to the website, the other plane that has been undergoing maintenance in the United States since October 2023 due to engine problems, is awaiting clearance to return to Brazil.[41]

Fleet

As of April 2024, the Placar Linhas Aéreas fleet consists of the following aircraft:[42]

Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
Embraer 190-E2 1 1 98 Delivery expected in early 2024.
Total 1 1

See also

References

  1. ^ "ATO Nº 7.089, DE 12 DE JUNHO DE 2023 – Consulta". Diário Oficial da União (in Portuguese). Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  2. ^ "Lista Forbes 2023: as 10 maiores bilionárias do Brasil". Forbes (in Portuguese). 2 September 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Presidente do Palmeiras, Leila Pereira é a quarta mulher mais rica do Brasil; veja da onde vem a fortuna" (in Portuguese). O Globo. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  4. ^ "Leila Pereira, presidente do Palmeiras, sobe um degrau e se torna a 4ª mulher mais rica do Brasil" (in Portuguese). Estadão. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  5. ^ "Donos da Crefisa fundam a Placar Linhas Aéreas e têm voos comerciais no Brasil como objetivo" (in Portuguese). AeroIN. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  6. ^ "Palmeiras elege Leila Pereira como nova presidente, 1ª mulher a assumir o cargo" (in Portuguese). CNN Brasil. 20 November 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  7. ^ "Avião comprado por Leila pertencerá a empresa aérea de presidente do Palmeiras; conheça" (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Presidente do Palmeiras, Leila Pereira anuncia compra de avião para viagens do elenco" (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Palmeirenses questionam a compra do jato Embraer "do time"" (in Portuguese). AeroIN. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  10. ^ "Em breve nossos atletas estarão voando nesta aeronave com muito mais conforto e agilidade!! Avanti Palestra!!" (in Portuguese). Leila Pereira on Instagram. 18 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  11. ^ "Embraer E2 "rejeitado" e com cara de tubarão é o que vai para o Palmeiras" (in Portuguese). AeroIN. 18 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  12. ^ "Embraer E2 que servirá o time do Palmeiras surge com a sua nova identidade visual" (in Portuguese). Aeroflap. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  13. ^ "Crefisa Receives Embraer E190-E2 for Match Travel". Embraer. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  14. ^ "Embraer delivers the world's first E2 executive aircraft". Air Data News. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  15. ^ "Palmeiras recebe avião de R$ 352 milhões comprado por Leila Pereira" (in Portuguese). CNN Brasil. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  16. ^ "Consultas ao Registro Aeronáutico Brasileiro (RAB)" (in Portuguese). ANAC. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  17. ^ "Palmeiras x São Paulo: clubes travam rivalidade nos ares e na Supercopa; veja infográfico dos aviões" (in Portuguese). Estadão. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  18. ^ "Chegou! Veja como é o interior do avião que Leila comprou para o Palmeiras" (in Portuguese). Estadão. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Decola pela 1ª vez com o Palmeiras o Embraer da Placar Linhas Aéreas" (in Portuguese). AeroIN. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  20. ^ "Avião comprado por Leila é usado pela 1ª vez pelo Palmeiras em viagem ao Rio" (in Portuguese). O Tempo. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  21. ^ "Palmeiras vai viajar quase 100 km para estrear avião comprado por Leila Pereira" (in Portuguese). CNN Brasil. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  22. ^ "Palmeiras voa pela 1ª vez no avião da Embraer comprado pela empresária Leila Pereira" (in Portuguese). G1. 17 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  23. ^ "Palmeiras viaja para Cuiabá em avião "presidencial"" (in Portuguese). Portal do Palmeirense. 17 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Palmeiras usa avião e grana de Leila para ir à Colômbia jogar Libertadores" (in Portuguese). UOL. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  25. ^ "Leila banca viagem, e Palmeiras prevê economia de R$ 1,2 milhão em voo para a Colômbia" (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Placar Linhas Aéreas realiza seu 1º voo internacional" (in Portuguese). Flap Internacional. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  27. ^ "Avião do Palmeiras apresenta problema técnico e atrasa retorno da delegação ao Brasil" (in Portuguese). ESPN Brasil. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  28. ^ "Falha em avião de Leila Pereira causa prejuízos ao Palmeiras; veja quais" (in Portuguese). Terra. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  29. ^ "Palmeiras retorna ao Brasil em 737 MAX da GOL" (in Portuguese). AERO Magazine. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  30. ^ "Avião de Leila Pereira, presidente do Palmeiras, chega ao Brasil após problema na Colômbia" (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  31. ^ "Palmeiras volta a usar avião de Leila em viagem para enfrentar Grêmio. Veja vídeo!" (in Portuguese). Futebol Interior. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  32. ^ "Palmeiras volta a utilizar o Embraer 190-E2 em voo internacional" (in Portuguese). AERO Magazine. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  33. ^ "Jato Embraer E190-E2 voa para os EUA e deixa Palmeiras sem transporte próprio por dois jogos seguidos" (in Portuguese). Airway. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  34. ^ "Palmeiras faz segunda viagem seguida sem o avião de Leila Pereira; entenda o motivo" (in Portuguese). Airway. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  35. ^ "Palmeiras voltará a utilizar o Embraer 190-E2" (in Portuguese). AERO Magazine. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  36. ^ "Embraer: Falta de motores levou ao adiamento de algumas entregas" (in Portuguese). Valor Econômico. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  37. ^ "Palmeiras voltará a utilizar o Embraer 190-E2" (in Portuguese). AERO Magazine. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  38. ^ "Está voando de volta ao Brasil após 6 meses o avião da "irmã" do Palmeiras, a Placar Linhas Aéreas; acompanhe" (in Brazilian Portuguese). AeroIN. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  39. ^ "Leila Pereira compra nova aeronave; avião anterior aguarda liberação para retorno ao Brasil" (in Portuguese). Nosso Palestra. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  40. ^ "Com avião já pronto no Brasil, aérea africana cancela pedido da Embraer" (in Portuguese). AeroIN. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  41. ^ "Leila Pereira compra nova aeronave; avião anterior aguarda liberação para retorno ao Brasil" (in Portuguese). Nosso Palestra. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  42. ^ "PLACAR LINHAS AÉREAS - Frota atual". Aeromuseu (in Portuguese). 28 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
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