União da Vitória Airport (UVI)

José Cleto Airport (UVI/SSUV) serves the twin cities of União da Vitória in Paraná and Porto União in Santa Catarina, positioned 752 meters above sea level on opposite banks of the Iguaçu River where these 'Gêmeas do Iguaçu' (Iguazu Twins) are connected by a pedestrian tunnel symbolizing interstate cooperation. Named after local entrepreneur José Cleto (1901-1960), this municipal facility operates under Aeroportos do Paraná supervision, providing essential aviation access to a region historically defined by timber wealth and the early 20th century Contestado War.

The utilitarian terminal features basic infrastructure with a single paved runway and administrative building, requiring advance arrangement of ground transportation as no taxis wait on-site and ride-sharing remains limited. Located 5 kilometers from both city centers, the facility serves primarily general aviation, corporate flights supporting regional timber operations, and emergency medical evacuations connecting communities in southern Brazil's forestry heartland.

Operational significance includes historical aviation connections dating to 1912-1916 when Lieutenant Ricardo João Kirk demonstrated military aviation during the Contestado War, leading to establishment of airfields in União da Vitória, Canoinhas, and Rio Negro for bombing rebel positions. This period witnessed Brazil's first documented aircraft accident, marking the beginning of military aviation in the disputed timber-rich territory contested between Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Argentina over erva mate and lumber resources.

Strategic importance extends beyond regional connectivity to supporting modern forestry operations, agricultural development, and tourism access to the scenic Iguaçu River valley where these sister cities emerged from the ashes of the Contestado conflict. The airport maintains vital links for a region where timber and agriculture drive the economy, while serving as a reminder of aviation's early role in Brazilian territorial disputes and the evolution of air power from military demonstration to civilian transportation serving communities divided by state lines but united by shared history and geography.