Grupo Globalia, owner of Madrid-based Air Europa, has submitted a request to regulators in São Paulo, Brazil to launch a new airline that will operate domestic flights in the South American country.

The airline already operates flights to the country, but only international routes from Madrid to destinations in the Northeast and Southeast of Brazil.

The news comes as the Brazilian government is set to pass legislation allowing for 100% foreign capital in Brazilian airlines.

Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has yet to receive an application from Air Europa, a necessary step in the process.