Brazilian operator Azul Airlines is in negotiations to launch a new route connecting the United States and Brazil. Set to begin in the second half of this year, Azul will connect New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with Viracopos Airport in Campinas, São Paulo. This will be the airline’s third destination in the United States, which already serves Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) in Florida.
Azul is significantly expanding its international reach, driven by the arrival of new Airbus A350-900 and A330-900 jets. This year, the company announced two new destinations, Paris Orly and Curaçao.
Sources familiar with Azul’s schedule confirmed to Simple Flying that the airline intends to operate five weekly flights between Viracopos International Airport (VCP) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK). The airline has not yet formally announced this route. Simple Flying reached out to Azul for comment, but the airline stated that it has no international announcements to make at this time.
Why fly to JFK?
Azul Airlines has agreements with three U.S. airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue. The choice to fly to JFK could enhance the company’s partnership with JetBlue, which operates around 1,352 weekly departures from this airport.
Recently, JetBlue and Azul strengthened their partnership. Through Fort Lauderdale Airport, Azul can offer direct connectivity via JetBlue to six destinations in the Caribbean, including Punta Cana, Cancun, San Juan, Port-au-Prince, and Aruba.
This year, Azul is seeking to increase its international presence. The company operates more than 600 international flights monthly. Additionally, partnerships with other airlines have expanded its 160 domestic destinations to over 3,000 globally, according to a statement released by Azul.
“We are building a portfolio of international destinations that enriches and complements our already extensive network here in Brazil,” said Vitor Silva, General Manager of Planning and Strategy at Azul.
As of March 2023, the airline is serving only five international destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, Lisbon, Orlando, Montevideo, and Punta del Este. Starting April 26, Azul will fly six times a week to Paris Orly, departing from Viracopos International. Two months later, on June 24, the Brazilian airline will begin flying to Curaçao, operating one weekly flight from Belo Horizonte International Airport.
Azul’s A350 jets can carry up to 334 people, with 301 in economy class and 33 in business class. Meanwhile, the airline’s A330-900 jets can carry 298 passengers, 160 in economy, 104 in economy plus, and 34 in business.
Currently, Azul has a long-haul fleet consisting of six A330-200s, five A330-900s, and two A350-900s. According to ch-aviation data, the company expects to receive three additional A330-900s and three A350-900s.
Source: SimpleFlying.com