In addition to military personnel, the operation relies on the specialized work of FAB sniffer dogs
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Mônica Lopes
Operation Air Bridge, coordinated by the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE) and involving airport authorities and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through Numbered Air Force 34 (FAN 34), completes two months this Friday (05/01). The operation’s 60-day milestone came at a time of increased passenger flow due to the end-of-year festivities, and was marked by the reinforcement of military personnel and sniffer dogs at Galeão (RJ) and Guarulhos (SP) International Airports.
In the period between Christmas and the New Year, 13 seizures were made, when the FAB military, in cooperation with the Federal Police (PF) and the Federal Revenue Service (RF), identified the presence of illicit items in various places, such as inside suitcases, on passengers’ bodies, including internally, and in cargo in import and export postal shipments. The occurrences are the result of an increase in preventive and repressive actions to combat drug trafficking, weapons and other illicit conduct carried out during the period.
An overall assessment by the FAB shows that the preventive and repressive actions carried out have already amounted to 649 missions, totaling 2,800 hours of use of military personnel and sniffer dogs, ostentatious patrols in lobbies, terminals and other areas considered sensitive. In all, 250 kilos of drugs were intercepted and 23 people were arrested. In partnership with the Federal Police (PF), the Federal Revenue Service (RF) and the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the FAB military also searched 45,433 people, 13,428 vehicles and 96 aircraft.
In addition to the significant numbers, it is worth highlighting the cooperation and maturity consolidated between the agencies working in the GLO, obtained from a relationship of trust built during the course of the activities, which denotes the positive balance of Operation Air Bridge.
“The result is the result of the daily strengthening of the FAB’s interaction with the other agencies involved in the operation. The main purpose of building this synergy is to reconcile interests and coordinate efforts for the benefit of society as a whole,” said the Operation’s Commander, Major General Luiz Guilherme da Silva Magarão.
The balance of these 60 days is also due to the specialized work of the sniffer dogs, the biggest stars of the Operation, who work to search cargo and luggage. In all, more than 495 hours of sniffing missions have been carried out, amounting to a total volume of 59,400 m³ inspected. All the military personnel involved receive instructions on how to carry out approaches that are efficient in identifying illicit items, in a way that doesn’t impact the routine of airports.
Airport traffic and security
According to Galeão’s communications department, the airport had around 530,000 passengers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. According to the press office, this figure represents an increase of 85% compared to the same period last year. Guarulhos airport, on the other hand, saw more traffic, with around 1.5 million people passing through the terminal.
For RIOgaleão’s Operations Director, Dimas Sávia, the presence of FAB agents at the airport has increased passenger safety. “RIOgaleão is experiencing an important moment with the increase in the flow of flights. In order to provide the best passenger experience, the partnership with the FAB is very important for airport security,” he said.
The Director of Operations at GRU Airport, Georges Chaoubah, also stressed that the presence of the Air Force has been a differential that has already been positively noticed by the public.
“The operation is extremely important for the safety of airport users. This kind of initiative brings more comfort and peace of mind. I feel safer and more comfortable traveling,” said passenger Alcione Aguiar.
Learn More
Operation Air Bridge was launched under the Law and Order Guarantee (GLO) decree No. 11.765, of November 1, 2023, with the aim of combating organized crime, disrupting possible illicit routes and increasing passenger safety. The operation is scheduled to end on May 3, 2024.
Air Force Numbered 34
A Numbered Air Force (FAN 34) is an Air Force Operational Command organized to carry out a mission with specific objectives and a limited duration, and is deactivated once the mission has been completed.
In Operation Air Bridge, FAN 34 was created with the tasks of planning, coordinating and executing the control and supervision of all aerospace actions, in accordance with the directives demanded by the higher echelons; collecting, processing and evaluating results, costs and lessons learned; and strengthening relations with the other singular forces and government agencies.
Photos: Sergeants Néris, André Souza and Mônica / CECOMSAER *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***