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ANAC Launches Public Consultations on Reliability-Based Maintenance Rules

February 25, 2026By ePlane AI
ANAC Launches Public Consultations on Reliability-Based Maintenance Rules
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ANAC
Reliability-Centered Maintenance
Maintenance Regulations

ANAC Initiates Public Consultations on Reliability-Based Maintenance Regulations

Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has commenced two 90-day public consultations, beginning on 24 February 2026, concerning proposed Instruções Suplementares (IS) that could substantially transform airline maintenance practices and influence fleet availability for corporate travel. The draft regulations—IS 120-017A and IS 91.409-002A—seek to harmonize Brazilian maintenance standards with international benchmarks established by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Proposed Regulatory Changes and Industry Impact

IS 120-017A introduces statistical criteria for reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), permitting airlines to extend component overhaul intervals when supported by comprehensive performance data. Meanwhile, IS 91.409-002A requires rigorous engine trend monitoring aimed at preventing in-flight power-loss events. ANAC projects that these reforms could yield annual direct maintenance cost savings exceeding R$120 million for Brazilian operators. Such financial efficiencies may enable carriers to increase flight frequencies on less profitable domestic routes, thereby enhancing regional business connectivity. Additionally, improved engine health monitoring is anticipated to bolster on-time performance across the national network.

Context of Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Response

These initiatives emerge amid intensified global scrutiny of aviation oversight frameworks. Recent audits, including evaluations of United Airlines’ maintenance supervision, have exposed challenges such as oversight deficiencies, workforce shortages, and erosion of institutional knowledge within regulatory bodies. These findings have intensified demands for more stringent regulatory controls and greater transparency. Consequently, industry analysts expect ANAC’s proposed reforms to invite similar scrutiny within Brazil, potentially compelling regulators to reinforce oversight mechanisms and mitigate risks observed in other jurisdictions.

In response, some industry participants are proactively adopting enhanced maintenance protocols and deploying advanced management systems. For instance, companies like PEMAC are prioritizing reliability and regulatory compliance through sophisticated maintenance management platforms, thereby establishing elevated standards for operational safety and efficiency.

Implications for Corporate Travel and Stakeholder Engagement

The regulatory changes may necessitate adjustments in scheduling and crew management for corporate travel planners. Platforms such as VisaHQ are positioned to assist by providing streamlined visa application services for Brazilian-bound crew members and assignees, offering updated entry requirements and guided support to facilitate mobility management.

Stakeholders—including air operator certificate (AOC) holders, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, and industry associations—are invited to submit feedback through ANAC’s Consultas Setoriais portal by 4 December 2026. The finalization of these rules is anticipated in the second quarter of 2027, with a phased implementation period ranging from 12 to 24 months for affected carriers.

Global mobility teams and industry observers are advised to monitor the progression of this rule-making process closely. While extended maintenance intervals could enhance aircraft availability and reduce last-minute cancellations that disrupt business travel, the introduction of stricter engine trend monitoring may initially increase maintenance-related groundings as airlines adapt to new data collection and analysis requirements. The evolving regulatory landscape will continue to demand a careful balance between cost efficiency, operational reliability, and robust oversight.

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Archer's Air Taxi Bet Is Heading for the 2028 Olympics

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Aviation Industry Update

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