Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras SA reports successful first year of operation

Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras stated it is likely to be profitable in 2010 (Wall Street Journal, 18-Jan-2010). The LCC handled 2.2 million passengers in its first year of operation, with Founder and Chairman, David Neeleman, adding that he believes Azul is the first airline to carry more than 2 million passengers in its first 12 months of operations. Mr Neeleman added that the carrier expects to expand its fleet from the current 14 aircraft (118-seat Embraer E-195s and 106-seat E-190s) to 21 aircraft in 2010, to support an expanded network (the carrier plans to expand its network frm 16 to 20 destinations in 2010).