Azul to launch first international services to the US by early 2015

Azul Brazilian Airlines stated (23-Apr-2014) it expects to debut its first international service by early 2015. US services will be served from Azul's new USD1.5 billion terminal at São Paulo/Campinas Airport with Azul's US gateways to be announced later in 2014. Azul will operate the new international routes with a fleet of 11 widebody Airbus aircraft. The airline has ordered five A350-900 with deliveries beginning in early 2017. In addition, six 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 80 Embraer and 56 ATR aircraft. CEO and founder David Neeleman said, "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... 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 15-Dec-2008. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - Portuguese]