Varig: Star of Brazil

Founded in 1927 by German immigrant Otto Ernst Meyer, Varig was one of Brazil’s earliest airlines. Serving a domestic network that covered an area roughly the size of the US, and an international network that traveled to four continents, Varig was a leader in the Brazilian travel industry. Its Air Bridge service linking Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo helped connect the country and made travel for its citizens easier. Varig’s onboard service levels were second to none, with caviar and prime steak served in first class. Even the all-economy Air Bridge services provided food and drink for passengers. However, this prosperity was not to last. As a result of government regulations, inflation and currency fluctuations, international events beyond its control and, to some degree, its refusal to adapt to market conditions, Varig was finally declared bankrupt in 2006. Illustrated with over 120 images, this book details Varig’s extremely modest beginnings in a small corner of Brazil, its journey to become one of the world’s major carriers and its ultimate demise, providing a holistic view of this once-great airline.