Brazil’s TAM Aviação Executiva Ends Citation Jet Operations with XLS Retirement

TAM Aviação Executiva, a major player in Brazil’s business aviation market, has officially ceased operating Citation aircraft, following the recent retirement of its last Citation XLS jet. This move marks the end of an era for the São Paulo Congonhas-based operator, which had previously maintained a strong presence in the Citation business jet segment.

According to ch-aviation data, the final aircraft to exit the fleet was the 19.1-year-old Citation XLS, registration PR-XLS (msn 560-5607). The jet, configured for up to nine passengers, completed its final flight on January 15, 2025, traveling between São Paulo Congonhas Airport—its home base—and Jundiaí Airport. The aircraft has since been retired from service.

TAM Aviação Executiva has historically operated a range of Citation models, including the Citation XLS+ and multiple Citation XLS units. Over the years, these midsize jets served a critical role in the company’s charter operations, catering to Brazil’s growing demand for corporate and executive travel.

Shift in Fleet Strategy

With the retirement of its last Citation, TAM Aviação Executiva has strategically shifted its fleet focus to other aircraft types. The current fleet includes:

• One Embraer Phenom 300 – a popular light jet known for its efficiency and range in regional business travel.
• One Embraer Praetor 500 – a midsize jet not available for charter, likely reserved for private or corporate use.
• One Hawker 400XP – inducted into the fleet in May 2024, this light jet has since been added to the company’s charter services.
• One Bell 429 Helicopter – offering versatile short-range travel capabilities, particularly for urban and remote-area access.

The updated fleet composition suggests a more diversified and regionally optimized strategy, likely in response to both market demand and operational efficiency goals. The addition of the Hawker 400XP in 2024 underscores TAM’s commitment to modernizing its charter fleet with aircraft that better match evolving customer needs.

Changing Landscape in Brazilian Business Aviation

TAM Aviação Executiva’s exit from the Citation segment highlights the changing landscape of business aviation in Brazil. Factors influencing this shift may include maintenance costs for aging aircraft, supply chain issues, and a growing preference for newer, more efficient aircraft such as the Phenom 300 and Praetor series, both manufactured by Brazil’s own Embraer.

As demand for corporate air travel continues to rise across Latin America, operators are reevaluating their fleets to remain competitive, efficient, and compliant with the latest safety and environmental standards. TAM’s move reflects a forward-looking approach as the company aligns itself with these broader industry trends.

With Citation jets now phased out, TAM Aviação Executiva is positioning itself for a new chapter—focusing on a modern, versatile fleet that supports both domestic and international charter operations.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com