United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines form long-term strategic partnership

United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines announced (26-Jun-2015) a new strategic partnership in which United will acquire an approximate 5% stake in Azul. Through a wholly owned subsidiary, United will invest USD100 million for its economic stake in Azul, which includes one seat on Azul's board of directors. The two carriers aim to codeshare on US-Brazil routes, subject to government approval, as well as other points in North and South America. United and Azul will also expand their frequent flyer loyalty agreement, with MileagePlus and TudoAzul members able to earn reciprocal benefits and redeem miles systemwide on both carriers. United's vice chairman and chief revenue officer Jim Compton stated, "Brazil is an important market in United's global route network and this partnership with Azul further strengthens our ties to the region." [more - original PR]