Brazil’s Itapemirim airlines allegedly forced to return aircraft for lack of payment

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After suspending its activities on December 17, Itapemirim Transportes Aéreos (ITA) is experiencing another troubled chapter. This week, the company would have returned two of its aircraft to American DCAL 2 Leasing Limited, for lack of payment.

One of the aircraft, the PS-SFC, would have left the Brasilia International Airport on Wednesday, January 19, for the Tucson International Airport, where it will be stored. The other aircraft, the PS-ITA, would have been in the United States since Tuesday.

DCAL 2 Leasing Limited would have claimed the aircraft back after lack of payment. Itapemirim is banned from selling travel tickets again following a decision by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

The measure is in force until the company reaccommodates passengers, fully refunds flights to those who chose this alternative and addresses all complaints filed on the Consumidor.gov.br website.

In a statement, the company denied that the aircraft were returned and said that the payment of the aircraft leasing is up to date. The reason for the displacement of the aircraft would be maintenance. The aircraft are expected to return to Brazil in February.

LABOR LAWSUITS

Before abruptly suspending its services, Itapemirim Transportes Aéreos (ITA) had at least 3 labor lawsuits for late payment of salaries and benefits. On December 17, ITA suspended its services and lost its authorization to fly. The Ministry of Justice and São Paulo Consumer Defense Office (PROCON) opened investigations into the airline.

After only 6 months in operation, ITA was the target of 3 lawsuits in the São Paulo Labor Court filed by the National Union of Airline Workers (SNA), which represents professionals who work on board aircraft, such as flight attendants and captains.

One lawsuit challenges the delay in the payment of salaries, another the cancellation of the medical plan, and the third demands the payment of daily benefits and food vouchers.

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