GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
BRAZIL
Sao Paulo GRU – Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
Terminals 2. It used to have 4 sets of windows. The two middle ones have been blocked off. From departures level near gates B and E go upstairs and you will find the two that remain. Expect to see all movements. Its still possible to get some stuff at night on stands and the nearby taxiways. Next to the windows at Gates E is a lounge which provides a bit more comfort. 155 Reals for the day. Has a shower, luggage storage and free Water, tea / coffee and cheesy bread. Has some comfy sofas that most used to sleep on an could be used as a hotel for the night
Terminal 3 – No views from inside the terminal but the multi storey gives decent views of some stands and the runways. You can also see across to where the daystop aircraft park. Usually a few TAM and American Airlines parked up. Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 2 by a walkway. Its also possible to walk outside on the footpath which provides some views of where the Biz park.
Terminal 1 – Used by Azul and Passaredo. Not connected to the other terminals so a bus is required. Not sure if any views exist but as all movements can be seen elsewhere there is no requirement to visit unless your catching a flight.
AIRSIDE
All movements can be seen from T2. T3 has excellent views of the runways from the end of the pier. Not sure about T1.
HOTELS
Hotel Matiz allows access to the roof. There are no facilities up there but views are great. You have excellent views of arrivals on 09R and the whole field. Several aircraft on stand and all departures can be read off. If they are using runways 27 then all arrivals can be logged. Departures will be above you so you can read them from under the wing. Fortunately all Brazilian aircraft have this. I was advised they would only open the roof from about 7am. With departures from 5am onwards I got the shuttle bus over to the airport to get what was in for a few hours. Also there is no chance for spotting once it gets dark unless you rely on sbs. I got the shuttle to the airport and got some food at the same time. Also they wont let you up there if its raining.
Room 1532 and even numbered rooms getting lower have the best view of the airport. Some aircraft on stands can be read. If they are on runways 09 arrivals can’t be seen as they are on the other side of the hotel but anything going for departure can. Odd numbered rooms should have views of arrivals. However you can’t see the field and if they are on runways 27 there would be no views.
The hotel itself is fairly basic. There was a dining area serving a buffet for breakfast and dinner at additional cost but didn’t try it. Regular shuttle buses to the airport worked well. There is nothing in the way of shops or restaurants near the hotel.
Pullman hotel – Way nicer than the Matiz and if you want a bit of luxary and some good food then stay here. Views are more distant but with a good pair of binoculars you should be able to read stuff on the runways and some stands. I didn’t have a room with a view as I was just on a quick nightstop so can’t confirm how good the views are. Again there are no views at night unless you rely on sbs. They also have an excellent shuttle bus service.
Be advised hotel shuttle buses do not operate to or from terminal 4 if you happen to be flying Azul or Passaredo.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This airport has got a lot busier. It used to be mostly international flights with long periods of being quiet. Its now pretty much nonstop. TAM and GOL dominate proceedings. Azul and Avianca Brazil also have regular flights. Regular flights by airlines from neighbouring countries as well as airlines like Cubana and Ethiopian can make this a very interesting place. Well worth a couple of days if its your first time to Brazil. There seems to be a good change over of aircraft in Brazil with different aircraft coming in all day long. I still made over thirty in a few hours on my second morning and another twenty five days later after visiting all the other major airports.
Brazilian Air Force have a small base on the other side of the runway and 1 or 2 aircraft may be present. B737 2115 is no longer there.
PP-BEL DC8 BETA is the only aircraft remaining in the compound near the threshold of 27L.
Other Airports in Sao Paulo:
Sao Paulo Jundiai – Located inbetween Sao Paulo and Campinas and conveniently on the way. Brazils 10th busiest airport mainly due to general aviation. There are no passenger flights here but it looks like a good number of smaller biz may be present.
Sao Paulo Campo De Marte – Located in the city centre not to far from Conghonas. A general aviation field with around 50 bits of tin.
Sao Paulo CGH – Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
No views from the terminal area. Apparently some of the bizjet hangers may allow access if you ask nicely.
Down the road from the Ibis and Slavieros hotel is Memorial 17 De Julio. Named after the plane that skidded down the embankment into a building and petrol station killing 199 people on this date in 2007. From here you are right next to the runway threshold. The airport can’t be seen as you are down an embankment but all movements are extremely close.
AIRSIDE
Good views of the runway and some stands. Hangers on the opposite side of the runway can be seen.
HOTELS
Nobiles Suites (Formerly Blue Tree Premium) – Excellent views. It has 22 floors. Rooms ending, 11, 12 and 13 face towards the threshold of Runways 17. Some stands can be seen along with hangers on the other side of the runway. Rooms ending 09, 10 have excellent views over the Avianca and Latam maintenance hangers and remote parking stands along with the biz on the other side of the runway and some more Biz towards the threshold of Runway 35. If they are departing on runways 17 you have to pay attention as the threshold is just out of view and its easy to miss things departing. One room facing each direction would be ideal if theres a few of you. They have a shuttle bus running every 30 mins or you can walk if you know where to go. Directly opposite reception is a small hanger with a metro inside thats been there for years. Reported to be LV-AOP.
Ibis Hotel – It can get really busy so its not advised to turn up late or you may miss out on a room with a view. The staff where very helpful in assisting to find a suitable room. The rooms have fantastic views over the runway and some stands. Also has views of where the Brazilian Air Force park up and views of the hangers on the other side of the runway.
Hotel Slavieros - Further down the road from ibis towards the threshold. Reportedly has good views.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not a great variety here. Pretty much TAM, GOL along with a few Avianca and Azul. A number of biz are based with a lot visible from the room.
One day here is probably enough, most aircraft will start to repeat and things will get a little boring.
If your flying then a left seat for arrival or right seat for departure may assist in getting some biz not visible from the hotels.
A few Avianca are WFU at the moment.
PR-ONH A318 along with another.
PR-OAD and OAK F100s
Tam A320 PT-MZJ also appears WFU.
Sao Paulo Viracopos – Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
From the departures ramp and inside the terminal its possible to see a small portion of the ramp and runway. All movements can be seen taxiing in and out.
AIRSIDE
Easy to see everything on stand and a some of the cargo stands.
HOTELS
Ramada has good views of the runway threshold. All movements can be seen and read off. The terminal is at the other end and out of sight. Rooms on the top floor, odd numbers 401-425. This place was very busy so plan to get there early to guarantee a good room. They had a buffet on for dinner and beer. Breakfast was included.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Azul dominate proceedings with about 45 or more seen during a morning or afternoon rush including about 12 ATRs.
Azul Cargo base there 2 B737s here and Modern logistics also had 2 B737s.
PP-SMR B737 VASP remains derelict here.
Rio Galeao – Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
Terminal 1 has been closed. However there are still some facilities there and from the top floor you can find views of terminal 2 and the runway that runs alongside. Unfortunately its next to a federal police office.
No views from Terminal 2.
If you turn right out of the terminal its possible to get views of the military hangers and some views could be had of a C130 and a P3.
Be advised, the authorities generally don’t mind you watching civil aircraft, but if you get caught looking at or taking photo’s of military aircraft they will investigate you.
There is a maintenance hanger near the threshold of runway 28. Its way to far to walk so you need to take a taxi. Unfortunately there are no views of the aircraft on the ramp. However, outside the complex is a preserved Varig DC3 if its still there.
AIRSIDE
Similar views to those from the area above. Its difficult to know which side of the plane to sit on as it depends which runway you will use. If they are using runway 33 and it looks probable you will take off from here then a seat on the left for departure should get you views of some military aircraft. If they are using runway 10 for departure then a right seat should get you views of the stored aircraft at the maintenance hanger which can’t be seen from landside. For arrival a left seat is probably best.
HOTELS
The Luxor Aeropeurto Hotel is located on the third floor in terminal 1. Rooms have no views but its located inbetween the two viewing areas. Not sure if this is still there given the status of terminal 1 but there were still signs for it.
The Linx hotel is a five minute shuttle bus ride away. Rooms 601 or 602 and the same on lower floors would have views of runway 15/33 and some of the terminal 2 stands. All movements on this runway should be seen. The hotel is opposite the military hangers but wasn’t high enough to see anything. At night you would have to rely on sbs. The hotel wasn’t great for food but the airport has good options. The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes. From the boarding level in the terminal find door D and turn right.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A mix of the usual domestic carriers with a few aircraft not seen elsewhere. Pretty quiet once the monring rush is over.
Brazilian Air Force have a lot of aircraft based. This time only a couple departed but I’ve seen several previously.
PP-VBF DC3 Preserved in Varig cls outside there hanger complex.
Campo Dos Afonsos – Museum
Located about 45 mins to an hours drive from Rio Galeao. Driving in Brazil with a GPS that didn’t speak English was a little challenging at times, but it got us there. Its signposted when you get close but the entrance is not very obvious. It’s a large gate with two guards with very big guns standing outside. They signed us in and made us wait for a third guard who jumped into the car and escorted us to the museum. Once inside the museum is excellent. Lots of aircraft all very well looked after.
Request – There was a Varig B727 nose / cockpit section. C/N or Reg of this?
Also at Rio is Jacarepagua Airport. A general aviation field about 15 miles west of Rio near the coast, and around 10 miles south of Afonsos.
Rio Santos Dumont – Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
Large windows near the arrival area provide partial view of the runway and some stands.
Turn right out of the terminal and there are a few hangers that may have a couple of smaller Biz. Follow the road around and you may see a Brazilian Air Force E550 which are based.
AIRSIDE
A cramped and busy terminal with decent views.
HOTELS
Several hotels exist within the area but not sure if any have views. The Ibis hotel is within walking distance.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Azul had a few aircraft not seen elsewhere. TAM, GOL and the odd Avianca as per usual for the domestic airports. Most flights are to Sao Paulo so don’t expect to see that much different here.
Brazilian Air Force E550s
Several Biz are based but its not possible to see some of them from landside.
Not particularly busy and time can be better spent elsewhere.
Brasilia – Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
Go upstairs from departures and there is a viewing area allowing all movements to be seen.
Several hangers and general aviation areas exist. Turn right out of the terminal and follow around to get to these.
AIRSIDE
Excellent views. The end of the pier near gate 1 is probably the best spot. Anything moving from the Air Force Base or Hanger areas should be seen from here.
HOTELS
Ibis is located about 10 minutes walk away. There is no shuttle and no proper footpath. Top floor had distant views of the airport but no stands can be seen. All movements can be seen. Traffic on the runway to the right can be read off either on arrival or departure depending what direction they are using. The window at the end of the corridor would have better views of this runway. It would be very difficult to read traffic on the other runway unless you use the windows in the corridor on this side.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Busy at certain times of the day with GOL, Avianca and TAM operating in waves.
There is a good number of general aviation aircraft here including some biz and the Brazilian Air Force has a large base. Unfortunately its at the end of the runway and not possible to get views. A left hand seat for arrival and right for departure is your best chance of getting these if you lucky enough to use the right runway. Have your camera ready. The A319 and E190’s are based here along with various other stuff and you can probably expect to see 1 or 2 movements from the viewing area if your lucky.
Only a few aircraft remained in storage here at the time.
PT-TAA, TAB B767’s TransBrazil
PT-LAH F27
PR-ONR A318 AV along with a fuselage section of another and a Fokker 100.
PP-ISA E120 Transbrazil
PP-EON and EOO E110
E110 Metallic – Reported to be PT-FRE
Belo Horizonte - Feb 2019
LANDSIDE
Viewing Area provides excellent views
AIRSIDE
Full window frontage, everything easily seen
HOTELS
Linx Hotel looked like it may have views.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A mini Viracopos. Dominated by Azul with some different ATRs.
PP-SMA B737 was WFU for many years. It has been moved about a 15km drive away in an industrial zone south east of the airport. Search for Sandvik on google maps to find it.
Belem – Dec 2009
LANDSIDE
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Very Quiet airport and not worth a special visit. My flight from Manaus to Fortaleza stopped here on route so can’t comment on spotting locations. An E110 and a Total B727 was all that was on the ground.
Fortaleza – Dec 2009
LANDSIDE
AIRSIDE
I changed planes here and the windows from the gate areas allowed good views of the ramp, runway and other side of the field. On take off I noticed a military base here but it was to far away from the terminal. Some stored aircraft are at the end of the runway and you will want a left seat for arrival or right for departure to see these.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
The usual airlines along with some locally based E110’s and general aviation. TAF are based here and as well as three aircraft on stand they had four aircraft WFU near the end of the runway.
PT-MTB, MTF B737’s TAF
PR-LSW B737 ATA
9Q-CGJ B737 GTRA Airways
As of July 2014 google earth was showing a total of 5 B737s or 2 B727s WFU near the end of the runway.
Manaus – Dec 2009
LANDSIDE
Keep aiming upstairs and you will find a viewing area allowing good views of the ramp and runway.
Turn right out of the terminal and head towards the hangers to get whats parked up down here.
AIRSIDE
All movements should be seen
HOTELS
None at the airport
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not very busy and the majority of flights seemed to depart very early morning so check timetables for the best times.
You may see a few ATR’s here along with some locally based E110’s and E120’s.
The main reason for visiting was the stored aircraft:
PP-VMM, PR-RLA B737 RICO
PP-SMB, PP-SPG B737 VASP
PP-TPC DC8 TPC
PR-GPT DC8 Promodal
PP-BEM, BET, BRI DC8 Beta Cargo
PT-MTR, SKI B707 Skymaster
As of June 2014 Google maps was showing 2 B737’s and 5 DC8/B707s remaining.
Porto Alegre – Apr 2015
LANDSIDE
A large observation area allows good views of the whole field including the maintenance area on the opposite side of the runway.
AIRSIDE
Not as good as landside but movements can be easily seen.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not particularly busy and just the main airlines. Azul seemed the busiest including a couple of ATR’s.
B727 PP-VLD remains derelict near the maintenance area.
PP-VMH was parked next to it but google earth now shows a fuselage section parked behind the maintenance area, not visible from the terminal.
Recife – Dec 2009
LANDSIDE
A new terminal with good views of the ramp and runway.
AIRSIDE
All movements should be seen.
HOTELS
None seen
WHAT TO EXPECT
The usual domestic flights. Embraer use this as a transit stop for delivery flights with an Air France and Tianjin Airlines E190 in at the time.
Two former VASP Aircraft remained but are no longer there. B727 PP-SFC and B737 PP-SPI
Salvador – Dec 2009
LANDSIDE
Turn right out of departures and you will get up close views of arriving aircraft and aircraft taxiing for departure. You can sit on the wall here and enjoy the movements as long as the weather is ok. From here you can also see the 3 VASP B737’s WFU which are in a separate area opposite to the terminal.
AIRSIDE
All movements should be seen but not as good as landside.
HOTELS
None seen
WHAT TO EXPECT
The usual domestic airlines.
3 VASP B737’s WFU – PP-SMP, SNB, SPF – still showing on google earth as of Dec 2014.
Sao Carlos – Apr 2015
LANDSIDE
Home of the TAM Museum as well as TAMs major maintenance facility. Its about a two hour drive north of Sao Paulo Viracopos. Security effectively allows you permission onto the airfield to gain access to the museum. The museum is next to the hangers with views inside. Several TAM aircraft where present.
The museum itself is excellent with many exhibits. The main airline exhibits being a F100, F27 and E110 of TAMs and a Brazilian Air Force Bae125.
I saw 4 Pantanel ATRs stored on another part of the airport but didn’t log them as Ive seen them all previously.
Sao Jose Dos Campos – Apr 2015
LANDSIDE
Embraers production facility located about an hours drive east of Sao Paulo GRU.
Its not possible to get too close to the hangers as its all a secured area. However the main road runs down to the terminal and Brazilian Aerospace memorial. From here a few production aircraft can be seen parked outside the hangers. On the way out of here a right turn after the hangers will eventually lead you to a bizjet hanger and a few derelict aircraft. If you keep following the road around and follow for the flying club you will find a main road which runs parallel to the runway with the hangers on the other side. From various spots on this road there are distant views of a few aircraft. Not very easy to stop though. Not sure if its possible to arrange a tour of the facility but that would be beneficial. I tried emailing Embraer but had no reply.
AIRSIDE
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
I only logged 9 various production aircraft as most were inside the hangers.
Brazilian Aerospace Memorial:
PP-SBI E110
PT-ZBA E120
PT-ZVE CBA-123
And a few others
Derelict Aircraft:
PT-OZM E120
PR-LGC B727 Varig
PR-MTG B737 TAF
PR-VME B737 Rico
Embraers other production facility is at Gaviao Peixoto – Located 150 miles to the north of Campinas VCP. However its unknown as to whether there are any views from outside? Latest reports have several of Embraers prototype E170/190 aircraft stored there.
C/N’s 17000001, 17000003, 17000014, 19000001, 19000003, 19000005
Gaviao Peixoto - Feb 2019
One of Embraers production facilities and where they keep the prototypes. About a 2 and half hour drive north of Viracopos and not to far from Sao carlos. The main road that runs past the facility has a security guard at each end with a sign that is asking for identification to be shown. I just said OK to the guy. He replied OK and waved me in. Once inside you can drive into the employee parking which gives views of a few things. If you exit on the northern side this road runs past the runway threshold allowing views onto the facility which allowed a couple more to be logged.
PP-XMA E190 was the only prototype from the origional E170/190s that remained.
4 E2 protoypes were there with PR-ZEY missing its tail and presumably WFU.
A metallic shell of a KC390 remained and There was A Phenom parked at the entrance after security as a gate guard but I couldn’t see a reg on it.
Also present was a Brazilian Air Force E135 and E550.
