The Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas is working towards launching a new route serving New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) later this year. This would be the company’s third destination in the United States, as it already serves Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO).
A new long-haul route
Azul is heavily increasing its international reach, fueled by the arrivals of new Airbus A350-900 and A330-900 widebody jets. This year, the airline has announced two new destinations, Paris Orly and Curazao, and plans to reach New York by October.
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Sources with knowledge of Azul’s scheduling planning confirmed to Simple Flying that the airline is looking to operate five weekly flights between Viracopos International Airport (VCP) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) later this year. The airline has not formally announced this route. Simple Flying reached Azul for comment on the subject, but the airline said it does not have any international announcement to make at the moment.
Azul would employ its Airbus A350-900 and A330-900 fleets to operate this long-haul route.
Why fly to JFK?
Azul Linhas Aéreas has codeshare agreements with three US carriers, United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue. Choosing to fly to JFK could enhance the company’s partnership with JetBlue, which operates around 1,352 weekly departures from this airport.
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In recent times, JetBlue and Azul have strengthened their partnership. Through Fort Lauderdale Airport, Azul has been able to offer direct connectivity via JetBlue to six destinations in the Caribbean, including Punta Cana, Cancun, San Juan, Port-au-Prince, and Aruba.
It would be interesting to see if Azul and JetBlue’s partnership could expand to New York JFK and if the American carrier could offer some of its international connectivity, such as flights to London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Time will tell on that.
Increasing international connectivity for Azul
This year, Azul is looking to expand its international connectivity. It has recently reinforced its network and operates more than 600 monthly international flights. Moreover, the airline’s partnerships with other companies have expanded its 160 domestic destinations to more than 3,000 globally, according to a statement released by Azul last week. “We are building a portfolio of international destinations that enriches and complements, even more, our already large network here in Brazil,” said Vitor Silva, general manager of Planning and Strategy at Azul. As of March 2023, the airline serves only five international destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, Lisbon, Orlando, Montevideo, and Punta del Este.
From April 26, Azul will fly six times a week to Paris Orly, departing from Viracopos International. Two months later, on June 24, the Brazilian carrier will start flying to Curazao, operating a weekly flight from Belo Horizonte International Airport.
Azul’s A350 jets can carry up to 334 customers, 301 in economy and 33 in business class. Meanwhile, the airline’s A330-900 jets can handle 298 passengers, 160 in economy, 104 in economy plus, and 34 in business.
Azul currently has a long-haul fleet composed of six A330-200s, five A330-900s, and two A350-900s. According to data from ch-aviation, it expects to receive three additional A330-900s and three A350-900s.
Are you excited to fly with Azul to JFK Airport? Which other US destinations should the Brazilian carrier add? Let us know in the comments below.
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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
