MAP Linhas Aéreas
Brazilian regional airline established to connect communities in the Amazon region and other domestic destinations.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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History
MAP Linhas Aéreas was founded in Manaus on May 18, 2011, by Manaus Aerotáxi Participações. Its creation reflected the importance of aviation in the Amazon, where rivers, forests and sparse road infrastructure make many regional communities difficult to reach by land. The new airline received its regular-operation certificate from ANAC on August 14, 2012. It acquired three ATR 42-300 aircraft from TRIP Linhas Aéreas, although one aircraft was retained primarily for spare parts rather than regular flying. Scheduled operations began on March 4, 2013, with Manaus–Parintins and Manaus–Lábrea services. During 2013 and 2014, MAP enlarged its fleet with ATR 72-200 aircraft and extended its network to Carauari in Amazonas and to Santarém, Itaituba, Altamira and Belém in Pará. Expansion continued in 2015 with Porto Velho and several additional destinations in Amazonas and neighboring states. Porto Trombetas and Tabatinga were added in 2016. The airline’s network was designed around regional connectivity rather than dense trunk routes, although it later sought access to larger commercial markets. In October 2016, MAP unveiled an Amazon-oriented corporate identity. Its aircraft tails incorporated references to the region’s architecture, rivers, wildlife, vegetation and cuisine, including recognizable cultural motifs associated with Manaus and Pará. The airline announced a proposed Soy Route to Sorriso and Alta Floresta in Mato Grosso for 2017, but technical and logistical issues prevented the route from entering service. MAP also discussed expansion into northeastern Brazil and possible international services in northern South America. It received IOSA certification in December 2017 and added another ATR 72 in February 2019, while expressing interest in increasing frequencies and eventually serving Puerto Maldonado, Peru. The airline’s competitive position changed after Avianca Brasil entered bankruptcy in 2019. MAP competed with larger and smaller Brazilian carriers for Avianca’s 41 daily slot pairs at São Paulo–Congonhas Airport. ANAC provisionally allocated MAP 12 pairs, placing it behind Azul and Passaredo in the initial distribution. On August 21, 2019, Passaredo announced that it had acquired full control of MAP. The companies continued to use separate brands and began joint or coordinated services from Congonhas to regional cities including Ribeirão Preto, Bauru, Marília, Araçatuba, Dourados, Uberaba and Macaé. The COVID-19 crisis caused MAP to suspend commercial flights on March 18, 2020. The suspension became indefinite two days later, although charter operations for Petrobras continued. After roughly three months, MAP restarted a reduced schedule on July 3, serving ten cities in the Amazon where air transport was considered essential. The carrier subsequently remained connected with VOEPASS through aircraft, crew and commercial operating arrangements. GOL Linhas Aéreas announced in June 2021 that it had agreed with VOEPASS to acquire MAP for R$28 million, with additional responsibility for reported commitments of approximately R$100 million. CADE approved the transaction without restrictions in January 2022. GOL’s leadership initially indicated that MAP’s separate brand would eventually be absorbed. However, the acquisition was not completed. In 2023, GOL explained that a government decree allowing airlines to sell slots without an M&A transition had changed the rationale for purchasing MAP itself; GOL instead examined the possibility of acquiring slots from VOEPASS. As of April 29, 2024, MAP’s certificate, brand and three ATR turboprops were still connected to active operations from Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus. One aircraft flew Petrobras contract sectors to Carauari and Porto Urucu, while two others operated through arrangements involving VOEPASS and LATAM. On March 11, 2025, ANAC suspended MAP and VOEPASS operations because of management issues. VOEPASS filed for bankruptcy protection on April 23, 2025, citing financial distress and liabilities associated with the crash of Flight 2283. The available material does not conclusively establish MAP’s final legal or operating status.
- 2025
Operations suspended by ANAC
[1]ANAC suspends MAP and VOEPASS operations over management issues.
- 2020
Pandemic service suspension and restart
[1]MAP suspends scheduled flying during COVID-19 and resumes a reduced Amazon network in July.
- 2019
Passaredo acquires MAP
[1]Passaredo announces the purchase of MAP and the two airlines begin operating within the same ownership structure.
- 2017
IOSA certification obtained
[1]MAP receives International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit certification.
- 2016
Amazon-themed livery introduced
[1]The airline adopts a visual identity built around Amazonian cultural and environmental references.
- 2013
Scheduled passenger operations begin
[1]MAP starts flights from Manaus to Parintins and Lábrea.
- 2012
Regular-operation certificate received
[1]ANAC authorizes MAP to operate regular commercial flights.
- 2011
MAP Linhas Aéreas is founded
[1]Manaus Aerotáxi Participações establishes MAP in Manaus to improve regional air connectivity in the Amazon.
Products and positioning
A regional Brazilian airline focused on connecting the Amazon and other underserved domestic markets with ATR turboprop aircraft.
Passenger airline services · 2013
Scheduled regional passenger flights
MAP’s principal offering was scheduled domestic passenger transportation using ATR turboprop aircraft. The network concentrated on Manaus and other Amazonian cities, linking smaller communities such as Lábrea, Carauari, Manicoré and Tefé with regional centers and state capitals. The service addressed markets where road alternatives were limited or impractical.
Charter aviation services
Charter and contract flying
In addition to scheduled services, MAP was authorized to conduct nonscheduled and charter operations. During the COVID-19 suspension of commercial flights, the airline maintained charter flying for Petrobras, including operations associated with Carauari and Porto Urucu.
Regional aircraft operations · 2012
ATR turboprop fleet operations
MAP’s fleet was built around ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops. The aircraft were suited to short regional sectors and smaller airports, and the airline used both owned and commercially arranged aircraft over its history. Some aircraft later operated through interchange or commercial agreements with VOEPASS and other partners.
Marketing campaigns
- 2016Amazon-themed visual identity
Brazil
MAP launched a redesigned visual identity and aircraft livery intended to express its connection with the Amazon and Brazil’s North Region. Tail imagery drew on local architecture, flora, fauna, rivers, cuisine and cultural landmarks.
Outcome. The redesign provided a regionally distinctive identity aligned with MAP’s network and base in Manaus.
Brand decisions
2025
Operations suspended by ANACOtherBackground
MAP operated within the VOEPASS corporate structure amid reported management and financial difficulties.
Action taken
ANAC suspended MAP and VOEPASS operations on March 11, 2025.
Aftermath
The suspension was followed by VOEPASS’s bankruptcy-protection filing. MAP’s final legal and operating status remains unclear in the available material.
2021
GOL proposes to acquire MAPM&ABackground
GOL wanted to strengthen its presence at Congonhas and expand its reach into the interior of the Amazon.
Action taken
GOL agreed with VOEPASS to acquire MAP for R$28 million and assume reported financial commitments of approximately R$100 million, subject to regulatory approval.
Aftermath
CADE approved the transaction in 2022, but the acquisition was ultimately not completed.
Proposed purchase price. R$28 million (2021 announcement)
2019
Pursued Congonhas Airport slotsStrategyBackground
Avianca Brasil’s bankruptcy released valuable slots at São Paulo–Congonhas Airport, prompting a contest among Brazilian airlines.
Action taken
MAP applied for the slots and received 12 of the 41 daily slot pairs provisionally distributed by ANAC.
Aftermath
The allocation strengthened MAP’s position in São Paulo and contributed to Passaredo’s subsequent acquisition of the airline.
2019
Passaredo acquires MAPM&ABackground
Passaredo sought to increase its presence at Congonhas and combine MAP’s regional network and slots with its own operations.
Action taken
Passaredo announced the acquisition of 100% of MAP, while retaining separate airline brands.
Aftermath
MAP continued operating within the Passaredo/VOEPASS structure, with coordinated services and aircraft or crew arrangements.
2017
Announced expansion beyond the AmazonStrategyBackground
MAP sought to grow beyond its established Amazonian network and considered destinations in northeastern Brazil and neighboring South American countries.
Action taken
The airline announced expansion concepts including the Soy Route and possible international services, but the Soy Route did not launch because of technical and logistical constraints.
Aftermath
The planned expansion remained limited, while MAP continued to focus primarily on regional Brazilian operations.
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