SAO PAULO, Brazil – Azul Brazilian Airlines expects to debut its first international flights by early 2015. The US flights will be served from Azul’s brand new $1.5 billion terminal at Sao Paulo/Campinas airport, strategically located 50 minutes from downtown Sao Paulo. Campinas is Brazil’s largest airline hub offering connections to 104 domestic cities. Azul’s U.S. gateways will be announced later this year.
Azul will operate the new international routes with a fleet of 11
wide-body Airbus aircraft. The airline has ordered five Airbus A350-900
– the World’s most advanced jetliner – with deliveries beginning in
early 2017. In addition, six Airbus A330-200 will be used to launch
service in early 2015. The new aircraft will be leased from ILFC and
will be equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. Azul’s fleet currently
comprises of 80 Embraer and 56 ATR aircraft.
“Azul is the one airline that truly serves all of Brazil. With 104
destinations, Azul unites the country better than any other airline,
with convenient and frequent connections,” said David Neeleman, CEO and
Founder of Azul. “Our customers have been asking for this and now we
look forward to providing them with our superior service on
international flights, just as we have been doing today on our 880
daily domestic departures. We’re excited to share the Azul experience
with new customers internationally and expand the airline’s success
story beyond Brazil’s borders.”
With less than six years of operations, Azul already has flown more
than 85 million customers and changed the face of air travel in the
Brazilian market since its first flight, on December 15, 2008.
The foundation of the airline was built around the Brazilian made
Embraer E-jet. From that foundation, Azul has expanded to 880 daily
flights, which represents one-third of Brazil’s daily departures. The
airline currently operates a fleet of 136 aircraft and employs more
than 10.000 people.
It has been voted the best low-cost carrier in South America three
years in a row by Skytrax, and best low-cost carrier in the world by
CAPA in 2012. It has also been voted one of the 50 most innovative
companies in the world by Fast Company Magazine.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- years in a row by Skytrax, and best low-cost carrier in the world by.
- Azul will operate the new international routes with a fleet of 11.
- than 85 million customers and changed the face of air travel in the.
