Private jets and helicopters in Rio de Janeiro: Santos Dumont, Galeão, Jacarepaguá and international flights

In Rio de Janeiro, executive aviation runs from three bases: Santos Dumont (SDU), on Guanabara Bay, for light and midsize jets on domestic routes; Galeão (GIG), for large-cabin jets and international flights; and Jacarepaguá (SBJR), in the West Zone, for helicopters and turboprops. From Galeão, long-range jets reach Miami in about 8 hours and Lisbon in about 9, non-stop (approx.). Below: which base to use, international and domestic times, the aircraft for each mission and how the price is set.

Christ the Redeemer and Rio at sunset, seen from a jet window

Where executive flights leave from in Rio

Base Where Best for
Santos Dumont (SDU) Centro, on Guanabara Bay light and midsize jets on domestic routes; runways of about 1,300 m
Galeão – Tom Jobim (GIG) Ilha do Governador, North Zone large-cabin jets and international flights, with customs; runway of about 4,000 m
Jacarepaguá – Roberto Marinho (SBJR) Barra da Tijuca area, West Zone helicopters, turboprops and general aviation; runway of about 900 m
Helipads hotels, residential towers, corporate buildings and tourist heliports door-to-door helicopter legs, subject to each helipad’s authorisation

For a group with plenty of luggage or a flight abroad, Galeão is usually the base; for a quick domestic trip, Santos Dumont is closer to the South Zone and Centro.

International flights from Rio (approx.)

Destination Flight time Typical aircraft
Buenos Aires / Punta del Este about 2h30 to 3h Challenger 350, Praetor 600 or Legacy 650
Miami / Fort Lauderdale about 8h Praetor 600, Challenger 650 or Global 6000
New York about 9h Global 6000, Gulfstream G650 or Falcon 8X
Lisbon about 9h Global 6000, Gulfstream G650 or Falcon 8X
Paris / London about 10h30 Global 7500, Gulfstream G650 or Falcon 8X

Non-stop times with typical winds; the quote confirms the aircraft, any fuel stop and the overflight permits.

A passenger boards a business jet

Domestic routes from Rio (approx.)

  • São Paulo (Congonhas or Campo de Marte): about 40 to 55 minutes by jet from Santos Dumont.
  • Belo Horizonte: about 45 minutes by jet.
  • Brasília: about 1h30 in a Phenom 300 or Citation CJ3.
  • Búzios: about 40 minutes by helicopter; Angra dos Reis, about 35 to 40 minutes.
  • The Northeast (Salvador, Recife, Trancoso): midsize or heavy jets, on request.

Aircraft for each mission

  • Light helicopters — Airbus H125 (Esquilo), H130: urban transfers and scenic flights, 4 to 6 passengers.
  • Twin-engine helicopters — Bell 429, Leonardo AW109, Airbus H145: Búzios, Angra and executive legs, 6 to 8 passengers.
  • Light jets — Phenom 100, Phenom 300: São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Brasília; up to 9 passengers in the Phenom 300.
  • Midsize jets — Citation CJ3, Learjet 45, Hawker 800XP: longer domestic routes, with more cabin and luggage space.
  • Super-midsize jets — Challenger 350, Praetor 600: South America and the Northeast; the Praetor 600 has around 7,400 km of range.
  • Long-range jets — Global 6000, Global 7500, Gulfstream G650, Falcon 8X: non-stop to North America and Europe; to the Middle East, in the Global 7500 or G650.
A Bombardier Global 7500 in flight

How the price is set

Each flight is quoted individually. The price depends on the aircraft, the distance, the hours of use including positioning and waiting days, airport and handling fees and the date; Carnival, New Year’s Eve and major events in Rio see the highest demand. Extras such as catering, ground transfers and security are quoted separately.

How it works

  1. Send the origin, destination, date, time and number of passengers by WhatsApp or email.
  2. Receive the options with aircraft, flight time and price.
  3. After approval, the team handles the flight plan, slots and helipad authorisations.
  4. On the day, check in at the executive terminal or heliport, with no queues.
  5. Fly and land as close as possible to your final destination.

Frequently asked questions: private jets and helicopters in Rio

Which airport should I use for a private jet in Rio?

Santos Dumont (SDU) for light and midsize jets on domestic routes; Galeão (GIG) for large-cabin jets and international flights; Jacarepaguá (SBJR) for helicopters and turboprops.

Can I fly non-stop from Rio to Europe or the United States?

Yes, from Galeão, in long-range jets: Miami in about 8 hours, New York and Lisbon in about 9, Paris and London in about 10h30 (approx.).

How long is Rio–São Paulo by private jet?

About 40 to 55 minutes from Santos Dumont to Congonhas or Campo de Marte (approx.).

Can I fly on the same day?

Often, yes, subject to aircraft availability and operational authorisations; the earlier the request, the more options.

What documents do I need?

Photo ID on domestic flights; on international flights, a valid passport and, depending on the destination, a visa.

Can I bring a pet?

Usually yes, in the cabin with you, depending on the aircraft and operator; let us know when requesting the quote. Abroad, the destination’s health rules apply.

Is there an office in Rio?

There is no walk-in office: the team serves Rio 24 hours a day by WhatsApp and email and meets passengers at the airport or heliport of departure.

See also: Air taxi in Rio de Janeiro · Air taxi across Rio de Janeiro state · Private jet charter · Private jet from Brazil to Miami

Request a quote for your private flight from Rio de Janeiro: WhatsApp +55 48 98877-0541 · sales@embarqueoficial.com