British flag carrier Virgin Atlantic Airways, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984 has instructed 
Montgomery & Associados to assist on all legal and tax aspects of establishing a direct air route between the United Kingdom and Brazil, its first ever to South America.
Montgomery & Associados recently obtained from the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) the set up licence for the British airline company to open a local branch with a view to establishing direct scheduled flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and São Paulo International Airport (GRU), starting in early 2020.
Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic Executive Vice President – Commercial, commented: “2019 marks the start of a new phase of growth for Virgin Atlantic as we work to become the most loved travel company. São Paulo represents an incredible opportunity for our business, and we’re very excited to be flying to a brand new continent for the first time. There are a significant number of corporate customers, and multi-national businesses, located in this Powerhouse of South America who can now enjoy the Virgin Atlantic experience on this busy international route. But it’s not all about business – I’m also thrilled to introduce an exciting new destination to our leisure customers. São Paulo boasts numerous cultural institutions such as the Museu de Arte, has a rich architectural history, and acts as a gateway for leisure travel within the rest of Brazil and beyond. This is a prime opportunity for Virgin Holidays who are busy securing a range of ancillary partners and diverse accommodation options for those customers seeking a full-service holiday offering.”
“Given my British heritage, it is a dream come true to advise such a renowned British brand and innovative and sexy airline company on entering the Brazilian market. Sir Richard Branson and his entrepreneurship and aviation achievements have always been a source of inspiration for me”, commented Managing Partner Neil Montgomery, who heads the firm’s aviation law practice and in recent years has been recognized by a leading international legal directory as the Brazilian lawyer with closest ties with the United Kingdom. “I am very pleased to see that after so many years in contact with Virgin Atlantic Airways it has now confirmed its decision not to leave Brazil and South America outside of their flight map”, added Neil.
The Montgomery & Associados team advising Virgin Atlantic Airways also comprised Flavio Igel, Helena Calderano, Drielle Amate, Fernanda Cohen, Elisa Tebaldi, Renata Andrade, and Isabela Vasconcelos.
Yuli Thompson, Virgin Atlantic VP of North America, commented: “Sao Paulo represents an incredible opportunity for our business and we’re very excited to be flying from London to South America for the first time. We are very grateful for the support of Montgomery & Associados as they have shown deep expertise as we navigate the legal framework and set our business up for long-term success in Brazil.”