This article is based on an official press release from Rhenus Group and additional regional reporting.

Rhenus Logistics and Avianca Cargo Complete Historic Direct Helicopter Transport to Brazil

On December 11, 2025, global logistics provider Rhenus Logistics and air freight carrier Avianca Cargo announced the successful completion of a landmark logistics operation: the first-ever direct air transport of crated civil helicopters from Miami, USA, to Vitória Airport (VIX) in Espírito Santo, Brazil. This operation represents a significant shift in aerospace logistics for the region, bypassing traditional congestion points to serve Brazil’s booming agribusiness sector.

The operation utilized an Avianca Cargo Airbus A330-200F freighter to transport the aircraft, identified in regional aviation reports as Robinson R66 Turbine helicopters. By routing the cargo directly to Vitória rather than the traditional hub at Viracopos (VCP), the partners successfully eliminated the need for complex bonded trucking legs, streamlining the import process for high-value machinery.

According to the announcement, this flight is part of a larger contract that will see over 35 helicopters delivered by the end of 2025, with operations scheduled to continue into 2026. The initiative highlights the growing importance of specialized cargo terminals in secondary Brazilian cities.

Operational Details: A “Door-to-Door” Solution

The logistics chain for this operation was designed to manage the cargo from the factory floor to the final customer in São Paulo. The process began in Torrance, California, at the manufacturing facilities of the Robinson Helicopter Company. From there, the helicopters were transported by road to the Rhenus Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in Miami, Florida.

At the 160,000-square-foot Miami facility, Rhenus teams managed the crating and compliance checks required for air transport. The cargo was then loaded onto the Avianca Cargo freighter for the direct flight to Vitória. Upon landing at VIX, the helicopters were cleared through the airport’s specialized cargo terminal before being transported to São Paulo for final delivery.

Streamlining the Supply Chain

Christian Luque, Regional Head of Key Accounts for Rhenus Logistics, emphasized the efficiency gains of this new route in a statement regarding the operation:

“Historically, helicopter shipments into Brazil would land at Viracopos (VCP), requiring complex bonded trucking to Vitória for customs clearance… By flying directly into VIX, we’ve eliminated multiple legs and created a faster, leaner, and more cost-effective solution.”

Strategic Significance for Brazilian Aviation

This operation is labeled “historic” by the involved parties because it fundamentally alters the established logistics map for aircraft imports into Brazil. Traditionally, such shipments would arrive at Viracopos (VCP) in Campinas. Due to specific tax incentives or customs regulations, the cargo often required transfer via bonded truck to Vitória for paperwork processing, only to be trucked back to São Paulo for delivery.

The new direct-entry model at VIX removes the initial bonded trucking leg, reducing transit times and the risk of damage associated with road transport. Jacques Nijankin, Head of Air Freight North America for Rhenus Logistics, noted the importance of this capability for specific industries:

“Our expertise in managing complex air freight operations… allows us to meet the growing demand for quick and reliable transportation to LATAM, especially in industries like agribusiness that are vital to Brazil’s economy.”

AirPro News Analysis

The shift to Vitória Airport (VIX) for high-value aerospace imports signals a broader trend in Brazilian logistics: the decentralization of cargo hubs. For years, Viracopos (VCP) has been the primary gateway, but congestion and complex inland logistics have driven operators to seek alternatives.

Vitória Airport, now operated by Zurich Airport Brasil, has aggressively marketed its modernized cargo infrastructure to attract specialized freight. By offering faster customs clearance and competitive incentives, secondary hubs like VIX are becoming viable alternatives to São Paulo’s major airports. For manufacturers like Robinson, whose R66 helicopters are essential tools for Brazil’s $164 billion agribusiness export sector, these streamlined routes are critical for maintaining market share in a competitive environment.

Market Context: Agribusiness Demand

The primary driver for these helicopter imports is the robust demand from Brazil’s agribusiness sector. Helicopters are essential tools for crop monitoring and rapid travel across the country’s vast farming estates. São Paulo currently hosts one of the largest helicopter fleets in the world, and maintaining a steady supply of aircraft is vital for the region’s economic activities.

With the successful completion of this initial transport, Rhenus and Avianca Cargo have established a scalable model for future aerospace imports, proving that direct routes to specialized terminals can offer superior efficiency over traditional hubs.

Sources

• Rhenus Group

ITA Airways Set to Retire Final Airbus A330-200 Fleet This Week

ITA Airways is preparing to conclude a significant chapter in its operational history. According to schedule data reported by AeroRoutes, the Italian flag carrier will operate its final commercial flights using the Airbus A330-200 aircraft in the final days of December 2025. This move marks the complete phase-out of the legacy long-haul fleet inherited from its predecessor, Alitalia.

The retirement of the A330-200, often referred to as the “ceo” (current engine option), signals the airline’s transition to a fully modernized widebody fleet. Starting January 1, 2026, all long-haul operations previously served by these aircraft will be flown by next-generation Airbus A330-900neo or A350-900 jets. This shift aligns with the carrier’s broader Sustainability goals and its ongoing integration into the Lufthansa Group.

Final Scheduled Operations

Data analyzed by AeroRoutes indicates that the A330-200 fleet will perform its last duties on three specific intercontinental routes departing from Rome Fiumicino (FCO). The phase-out is scheduled to occur over three consecutive days, culminating on New Year’s Eve.

The Last Routes

The schedule for the final A330-200 departures is as follows:

• Rome (FCO) – Delhi (DEL): The final flight is scheduled for December 29, 2025.
• Rome (FCO) – New York (JFK): The last operation on this high-frequency route is set for December 30, 2025.
• Rome (FCO) – Boston (BOS): The historic final departure is scheduled for December 31, 2025, with the return leg arriving in Rome on January 1, 2026.

Following these flights, the A330-200s will be withdrawn from commercial service. Passengers booked on these routes from January 1 onward will travel on the airline’s newer widebody aircraft.

Fleet Modernization and Efficiency

Since its launch in October 2021, ITA Airways has pursued an aggressive fleet renewal strategy. The departure of the A330-200s removes the oldest airframes from the carrier’s inventory, which were originally part of Alitalia’s assets. While these aircraft provided reliable service for years, they lacked the fuel efficiency and cabin amenities of modern competitors.

The primary replacement for these routes is the Airbus A330-900neo. According to Manufacturers specifications and ITA Airways’ corporate updates, the A330neo offers significant operational improvements:

• Fuel Efficiency: The new engines and aerodynamic improvements deliver approximately a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation.
• Noise Footprint: The aircraft features a 50% reduction in noise footprint, benefiting airport communities.
• Cabin Experience: The A330neo utilizes the “Airspace” cabin concept, providing larger overhead bins, modern lighting, and improved air quality.

AirPro News analysis

The retirement of the A330-200 is more than just a fleet update; it represents a critical standardization of the passenger experience. The legacy Alitalia A330-200s featured an older generation business class product that, while lie-flat, varied in consistency and privacy compared to modern standards.

By standardizing on the A330-900neo and A350-900, ITA Airways ensures that premium passengers on key transatlantic routes, such as Rome to Boston and New York, receive a consistent “hard product.” This includes full-flat seats with direct aisle access and 4K in-flight entertainment systems. From an operational standpoint, streamlining the pilot pool and MRO requirements to modern Airbus types will likely reduce overhead costs, a crucial factor as the Airlines prepares for its future within the Lufthansa Group.

Strategic Context: Lufthansa Group Integration

This fleet consolidation occurs against the backdrop of major corporate changes. In January 2025, the Lufthansa Group finalized its Acquisitions of a 41% stake in ITA Airways. As part of this integration, the Italian carrier is preparing to exit the SkyTeam alliance and join the Star Alliance in 2026.

Aligning the fleet composition with Lufthansa Group standards helps facilitate smoother operational synergies. The A330-900neo and A350-900 are consistent with the modern widebody strategies employed by group partners like SWISS and Lufthansa, potentially simplifying future network planning and codeshare operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ITA Airways retiring the A330-200?
The aircraft are older, less fuel-efficient, and feature outdated cabin products compared to the new A330-900neo and A350-900. Retiring them reduces fuel costs and improves passenger comfort.

What aircraft will replace the A330-200 on flights to New York and Boston?
Starting January 1, 2026, these routes will be operated by the Airbus A330-900neo or the Airbus A350-900.

Will my flight schedule change?
While the aircraft type is changing, the schedule remains largely the same. However, passengers should always check their booking details for the most up-to-date information.

Sources

AeroRoutes, ITA Airways Corporate Press, Lufthansa Group

Lufthansa Kicks Off Centennial with “Super Crane” Boeing 787-9 Arrival

Lufthansa has officially commenced its 100th-anniversary celebrations with the arrival of a specially designed Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Touching down on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Commercial-Aircraft, registered as D-ABPU and christened “Berlin”, marks the beginning of a year-long campaign honoring the Airlines‘s history.

According to the official press release from the Lufthansa Group, the aircraft was ferried directly from the Boeing Manufacturing plant in Everett, Washington. Upon arrival, it was greeted by a crowd of plane spotters, travelers, and airline executives, including Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter. The aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service in January 2026, serving as a “flying ambassador” for the carrier’s centennial year.

The “Super Crane” Design

The most striking feature of the new arrival is its unique livery, dubbed the “Super Crane.” Departing from the airline’s standard white fuselage, this commemorative design features a deep blue background dominated by a massive white crane graphic.

Lufthansa describes the design as a symbolic merger of nature and engineering. The crane’s wings are depicted sweeping back to visually integrate with the physical wings of the Dreamliner, representing the unity of “the bird and the machine.”

The livery includes several specific tributes to the upcoming anniversary:

• Left Side: A large “100” is integrated into the graphic.
• Right Side: The years “1926 | 2026” are displayed prominently.
• Underside: A “100” logo is painted on the belly, designed to be visible from the ground during takeoff and landing.

The design pays homage to the original crane logo created by graphic designer Otto Firle in 1918, a symbol that remains central to the airline’s identity today.

“It’s always a special moment to take Delivery of a brand-new aircraft, but today’s landing of this anniversary Boeing 787-9… was even more exciting and fascinating. The Dreamliner ‘Papa Uniform’ combines tradition and the future in an iconic design.”

, Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines

Historical Context and Future Fleet

The arrival of D-ABPU sets the stage for the airline’s major milestone in 2026. The company is celebrating 100 years since the founding of the original “Deutsche Luft Hansa AG” on January 6, 1926. The original carrier’s maiden flight took place shortly after on April 6, 1926.

AirPro News Analysis

While Lufthansa celebrates this centenary, aviation historians often note the distinction between the pre-war entity and the current company. The modern Lufthansa was legally founded in the 1950s following World War II. However, by acquiring the trademark rights and adopting the crane logo, the modern carrier officially traces its brand heritage and tradition back to the 1926 founding. This anniversary campaign reinforces that lineage, utilizing the “Super Crane” to bridge the gap between the 1920s and the 2020s.

The Anniversary Fleet

According to the airline’s announcement, the “Berlin” Dreamliner is merely the first of six aircraft that will comprise a special “Anniversary Fleet.” Over the coming months, five additional aircraft types will receive special centennial liveries to join the celebration:

• Airbus A320
• Airbus A350-900
• Airbus A350-1000
• Airbus A380
• Boeing 747-8

In addition to the exterior design, the new Boeing 787-9 is equipped with Lufthansa’s new “Allegris” long-haul cabin product, signaling the airline’s focus on modernizing its passenger experience as it enters its second century of brand history.

“Our Lufthansa crane stands for safety, pioneering spirit, premium quality, but also for freedom and reliability. This has been the case for the past 100 years and will continue to be so in the future.”

, Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines

Sources

• Lufthansa Group Newsroom