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By mid-2007, Brazil's aviation industry was under severe strain. Following the collapse of Varig, Brazil’s largest airline, the demand for flights soared at a rate of 15% annually. Competitor airlines struggled to meet this demand, and outdated infrastructure, including understaffed control towers and crumbling airports, further exacerbated long delays and angry customers. Pilots at Tam Airlines, the now-largest carrier in Brazil, faced immense pressure as they rapidly expanded their workforce to cope with increased demand.
During this turbulent period, only one aviation psychologist supported a fleet of over 5,000 pilots, leaving many without the necessary tools to manage their stress in such a high-pressure environment.