Brazil’s largest airline by number of departures and destinations – Azul – has announced a significant acceleration in its fleet transformation program.
The company expects to add 21 next-generation aircraft this year, an increase of eight aircraft from its previous plan. These additions will be offset by the retirement of 15 Embraer E195 E1s, seven more than previously announced.
Azul said consistent with its fleet upgauging strategy, total available seat kilometers (ASKs) are expected to increase by 18 per cent while departures should grow by only five per cent.
Azul chief executive officer, John Rodgerson, said this acceleration is a further step in achieving Azul’s margin expansion plan.
He added: “Azul ended 2018 with a fleet of 20 A320neo aircraft, which provide significant revenue uplift to all parts of our business. The extra seats offer passengers improved connectivity throughout our network; our TudoAzul loyalty customers love the additional redemption opportunities; and our Azul Cargo business fills up the extra belly space.
“All of these benefits come with an impressive 29% lower seat cost than our current generation aircraft. We are equally excited about the entry of our next-generation Embraer E2, which themselves provide a 26% lower seat cost than the current airplanes.”
By the end of 2019, 40 per cent of Azul’s capacity is expected be flown on next-generation aircraft.
