By Raphael Lopes Pinto Brescia
After years of speculation and failed revival attempts, the Brazilian historical aviation community has received promising news about the long-dormant Museu Asas de Um Sonho (Wings of a Dream Museum), aka TAM Museum, formerly operated by TAM Airlines. The momentum began with the relocation of several aircraft from long-term storage in São Carlos to the city of Itu. This effort is being led by Marcos Amaro, president of the Museu Asas de Um Sonho (MAS) and son of the late Rolim Amaro, the former TAM Airlines president and one of the museum’s original founders. Marcos Amaro also oversees the FAMA contemporary art museum in Itu.
Among the aircraft now on display in Itu are replicas of the 14-bis and Demoiselle—two iconic early designs by Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont—as well as a Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King and a Dassault Mirage III DBR. Itu, located about 90 kilometers from São Paulo city, is poised to become a new hub for aviation heritage in Brazil.
The most significant development, however, has emerged over the past two months. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is planning to retire its fleet of Northrop F-5M fighters in the coming years. These jets are currently maintained at the Parque de Material Aeronáutico de São Paulo (PAMA-SP), located at Campo de Marte Airport in São Paulo. Once the F-5Ms are withdrawn, the facilities at PAMA-SP will become available for new uses.
This strategically located site—well-connected by road and public transport and sharing a runway with one of Latin America’s busiest general aviation airports—has long been considered ideal for a major aviation museum. In December 2024, the Brazilian Air Force and MAS formalized their shared vision by signing an agreement to establish a new institution, tentatively named the Museu Aeroespacial Paulista (MAPA). Preliminary plans call for a collection of approximately 80 aircraft, with 40 on loan from MAS and 40 drawn from the FAB’s own holdings. These may include aircraft from the former Santos Dumont Foundation as well as long-stored examples from the Museu Aeroespacial (MUSAL) collection in Rio de Janeiro. If all goes to plan, the new museum could open its doors in 2027.
In a symbolic first step, MAS officially transferred custody of three aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force during a ceremony in June at the former São Carlos facility: a Vought F4U-1A Corsair, a Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2, and a Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX. These aircraft are now en route to PAMA-SP, where they will be reassembled and temporarily exhibited during LABACE 2025—the largest business aviation event in Latin America—scheduled for August 5–7 at Campo de Marte. The following photos show the ceremony held in June 2025 for the transfer of custody of the first three aircraft.
Recent photos shared on social media show the Corsair arriving by truck and the Spitfire positioned inside one of PAMA’s maintenance hangars. As preparations continue for their public unveiling at LABACE 2025, the aviation community is watching closely. The revival of Brazil’s premier aviation museum is no longer a distant dream—it’s becoming a reality.
