VASP (Viaçao Aérea Sao Paulo) was founded in 1933 is one of the oldest airlines in South America. The airline mainly operates domestic services and leased three DC-10-30 for high-density routes in Brazil. These aircraft had only a short period with VASP as the airline’s mismanagement forced the airline to cut back its service in 1992 to prevent it from bankruptcy. So all DC-10s were returned to their lessors.Under Wagner Canhedo, VASP flourished again and the new international routes, which were the domain of the MD-11, were sometimes also operated by leased DC-10s. Since then, VASP has not only built up a strong position in Brazil, but established itself also In Ecuador and Bolivia acquiring Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano and Ecuatoriana. The Ecuadorian flag carrier is also a DC-10 operator and this DC-10 (the second series 30 aircraft to be built) was sometimes operated by VASP on a lease basis. In 2000, VASP lost its number 2 position to TAM Brazil and gave up Ecuatoriana.
Note that two aircraft with VASP colors were not operated for or by VASP. They are Continental's #94 and #287 which were painted in VASP colors on one side in 1998 to symbolize the cooperation between the two airlines.
Following aircraft were operated by or for VASP:
