São Paulo → Miami

Sao Paulo to Miami is the Americas' most important private jet route linking South and North America — a 3,550-nautical-mile corridor that serves the deep and enduring ties between Brazil's financial capital and Florida's gateway city. Brazilian UHNW families represent one of the largest foreign buyer groups in South Florida real estate, and the constant movement of wealth between Sao Paulo's Faria Lima financial district and Miami's Brickell corridor generates year-round charter demand. This route carries a distinctive mix: families managing property portfolios in Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, business executives with operations in both countries, Brazilian art collectors attending Art Basel Miami, and medical travelers seeking specialized healthcare in the US. The 8-hour nonstop flight on a heavy or ultra-long-range jet provides the privacy, comfort, and customs efficiency that this clientele demands — arriving at a private terminal rather than facing the sometimes challenging commercial immigration queues at Miami International.

Airport & FBO Analysis

Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (SBSP) is located just 8 kilometers from the city center and is the preferred departure point for business travelers based in the Jardins, Itaim Bibi, and Faria Lima districts. However, Congonhas has runway limitations that may restrict the largest ultra-long-range aircraft at maximum takeoff weight. For flights requiring full fuel loads, Guarulhos International Airport (SBGR) or Campinas/Viracopos (SBKP) provide longer runways. FBO services at Congonhas are provided by Lider Aviacao, Brazil's largest business aviation operator, offering VIP lounges, customs processing, and ground handling.

Miami Opa-locka Executive Airport (KOPF) is a premier general aviation airport located in northern Miami-Dade County. The facility handles significant international private jet traffic with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on-site for international arrivals. FBO operators include Fontainebleau Aviation and Opa-locka Executive Jet Center, both offering private terminals, VIP lounges, and hangar facilities. CBP processing for private aviation typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. The airport is approximately 25 minutes from Miami Beach and 30 minutes from Brickell/Downtown Miami. For clients heading to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) is a closer alternative.

Aircraft Recommendations

At 3,550 nautical miles and 8 hours of flight time, this route requires a heavy or ultra-long-range jet for nonstop service. A heavy jet such as the Challenger 650 or Legacy 650E can make the distance in favorable conditions and prices between $90,000 and $125,000, offering a comfortable cabin with lie-flat seats, full galley, and baggage capacity for the shopping hauls that often return from Miami trips. For the most comfortable experience on an 8-hour flight — particularly for families with children or groups wanting separate sleeping and living areas — an ultra-long-range aircraft like the Global 6500 or Gulfstream G650 ranges from $120,000 to $160,000 and provides the widest cabin, multiple zones, and ample range margin for any weather routing.

Seasonal Pricing Intelligence

This route sees strong year-round demand with two distinct annual peaks. The Brazilian summer holiday from December through February drives the highest traffic volume as families escape to Miami for shopping, beach holidays, and property visits — this period coincides with Art Basel Miami in early December, creating an intense demand spike that pushes pricing to the top of the range. Brazilian national holidays and school vacation periods in July produce a secondary peak. The quietest months tend to be March through May and September through November, offering pricing 15 to 20 percent below peak levels. Carnival week (typically in February) creates a brief but intense demand burst for both directions as some travelers flee the festivities while others rush home to participate.

Ground Experience

In Sao Paulo, the Hotel Fasano on Rua Vittorio Fasano, the Rosewood Sao Paulo, and the Tivoli Mofarrej Hotel are the premier pre-departure hotels, all located in the Jardins district within 20 minutes of Congonhas. In Miami, the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, and the Setai Miami Beach represent the pinnacle of beachfront luxury, all within 30 to 40 minutes of Opa-locka. For clients with business in Brickell, the Mandarin Oriental Miami and the Four Seasons Hotel Miami are closer to the financial district. The Brazilian community in Miami is well-established, meaning Portuguese-speaking concierge services, restaurants, and professional networks are readily available.

Booking Tips

• Book at least two weeks in advance for standard travel; during Art Basel Miami (early December) and Brazilian summer holidays (December through February), book three to four weeks ahead as heavy jet availability tightens significantly.
• Runway limitations at Congonhas (SBSP) may require using Guarulhos (SBGR) for the largest ultra-long-range jets at full fuel load — confirm with your charter operator which airport best suits your aircraft selection.
• Empty leg opportunities are common on this corridor, particularly northbound in late February/March (Miami to Sao Paulo) as aircraft reposition after the Brazilian holiday season, with savings of 25 to 40 percent.
• U.S. customs at Opa-locka can experience delays during peak travel periods — your charter operator should file advance eAPIS passenger information to expedite the process.