Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral undertook a groundbreaking flight that would link Europe and South America through aerial navigation. Starting their journey on May 30, 1922, from Lisbon aboard a Fokker F.VIIb/3M seaplane named 'Santa Cruz,' they faced extensive geographical and meteorological challenges. Their remarkable flight utilized celestial navigation methods, pioneering a technique that had been little used in long-distance aviation at that time. This was crucial for maintaining their course across the vast expanse of the ocean amidst unpredictable weather. Coutinho's knowledge as a navigator and Cabral's capabilities as a pilot were vital for their successful endeavor.

The journey was fraught with peril, including dangerous flight conditions and equipment malfunctions. They made numerous planned stops, such as in the Canary Islands and in the Cape Verde archipelago, gathering crucial insights and refining their skills along the way. After 78 hours of flying over a series of stages, they finally completed the arduous journey, arriving in Rio de Janeiro, where they were met with great fanfare and recognition. Their adventurous spirit and determination reshaped perceptions of long-distance flight and demonstrated the possibilities of aviation over open seas.

The crossing marked a significant milestone not only in the history of aviation but also in transatlantic relations, as it exemplified the growing capabilities of aerial navigation. Their courageous expedition was made even more remarkable by the technological limitations of the time, including constraints on aircraft range and fuel capacity. The impact of Coutinho and Cabral's journey resonated for decades and encouraged further advancements in aviation technology, ultimately leading to more efficient transoceanic travel.