• Azul Tile
    Azul
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AD/AZU
    Airline Type:
    Low-Cost Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Belo Horizonte International Airport, Sao Paulo Viracopos International Airport, Recife/Guararapes International Airport
    Year Founded:
    2008
    CEO:
    John Rodgerson
    Country:
    Brazil
    Region:
    South America

On Thursday, the Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas (AD) introduced a new route connecting Manaus International Airport (MAO) and Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) in the United States. This is Azul’s third international service from Brazil to the United States.

Introducing a new route

Onboard an Airbus A320neo, registration PR-YRI, Azul Linhas Aéreas, introduced its new international route on Thursday. The airline now flies from Manaus, the most important city in the Amazon region in Brazil, to Florida. By adding the new service, “the company further reinforces the importance of the Amazon in its airline network. It now connects 13 Amazon municipalities with direct flights to the State capital and from there to Fort Lauderdale or other international destinations through the partnership between Azul and JetBlue,” the airline said in a statement.

Azul will operate the Manaus-Fort Lauderdale flight three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return flight from Fort Lauderdale will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The outbound flight, AD8722, takes off from Manaus International Airport at 10:30, landing in Florida at 14:55. Finally, the return flight departs from Fort Lauderdale at 22:40, landing in Manaus at 5:00. This is Azul's third route to the United States. The other two connect Viracopos International Airport (VCP) with Fort Lauderdale and Orlando International (MCO).

Azul Airbus A320neo
Photo: Azul Linheas Aéreas

The flight

The service between Manaus and Fort Lauderdale is operated with an Airbus A320neo aircraft. This plane has the capacity to carry up to 174 passengers. Azul said customers can enjoy onboard service with hot snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and on-demand onboard entertainment. Fábio Campos, director of Institutional and Airport Relations and Communication at Azul, said,

“What Azul has done in Amazonas is yet another example of the power of connectivity that the company has been exploring for 14 years. By connecting the entire interior with the capital, opportunities arise. The new Azul routes will bring even more connectivity to the Azul network, benefiting Amazonas citizens.”

He added that this flight will benefit not only the people in the Amazon State but also the tourist who wants to explore the richness of the many tourist attractions this Brazilian region has to offer.

"Amazonas is one of the most beautiful states in Brazil and draws the attention of foreigners who visit our country. With this flight, we can allow them to get to know the beauties of Manaus, the Negro and Solimões rivers, and Barcelos, where they can practice sport fishing.”

A320neo Azul Brazilian Airlines MSN7186 take off
Photo: Airbus

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Celebrating Azul’s fourteenth anniversary in style

This month, Azul Linhas Aéreas is celebrating its fourteenth anniversary. It has done so in a grand manner by launching new flights to the United States and introducing the Airbus A350-900 to its map route.

On Thursday, Azul operated the inaugural flight with its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The carrier employed this widebody, registration PR-AOY, in a commercial flight between Viracopos International Airport and Orlando International Airport.

Moreover, Azul is already looking to add new A350s in the short term. This month, the airline took delivery of its second A350-900, registration F-WTAK soon to be changed to PR-AOW. Next year, Azul expects to receive two additional A350s. These planes will be used to renew its long-haul fleet, possibly leading to the exit of the older Airbus A330-200s.

What do you think about Azul’s new route? Let us know in the comments below.