Seamless Connections from Brazil as Airlines Increase Cooperation
JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) today announced it is expanding its existing
partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines through a unilateral codeshare
agreement, subject to government approval. Azul will place its “AD” code
on JetBlue flights between multiple destinations and JetBlue’s focus
cities in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) and Orlando (MCO). From both
Florida gateways Azul operates nonstop service to the airline’s hub at
São Paulo, Brazil’s Viracopos International Airport (VCP).
Once approved, customers purchasing a codeshare itinerary will benefit
from having a single ticket that includes both Azul and JetBlue-operated
flights as well as conveniences on their day of travel like one-stop
check-in and baggage transfer.
“We’re pleased that customers booking Azul travel will be able to
benefit from convenient connections through JetBlue’s growing list of
destinations from our Florida focus cities,” said Robin Hayes, president
and CEO, JetBlue.
Azul has become the fastest growing airline in Brazil since beginning
operations in December 2008 and currently has the largest airline
network in the country in terms of cities served, with service to more
than 100 destinations. The airline has recently expanded operations with
selected nonstop service to the United States.
“We are excited that our customers get to experience JetBlue’s award
winning service. Also, the agreement with JetBlue grows Azul's travel
options in the international market, expanding our service network to
destinations served by JetBlue,” said David Neeleman, Azul’s CEO and
founder. “This will place Azul and JetBlue in very advantageous
positions in the market."
JetBlue is known for its award-winning service featuring the most
legroom in coach (a); free Fly-Fi, the fastest broadband internet in the
sky; complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks;
free, live DIRECTV® programming and 100+ channels of SiriusXM® radio in
every seatback.
The quality of Azul’s services has been attested by many national and
international awards. In 2015 Azul was named by Skytrax World Airline
Awards, for the fifth time in a row, as the "Best low-cost airline in
South America." The company also received the FlightStats Award as the
"Airline with best on-time performance in South America," and was
recognized as the most on-time airline in Brazil, in 2014, according to
Infraero criteria. That same year, the company was named the "Best
low-cost carrier in the world" by CAPA – Centre for Aviation.
Azul operates daily services to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale/Miami with
newly retrofitted A330 aircraft. These aircraft feature 20 lie-flat
business class seats with direct aisle access. In addition, these
aircraft have 110 Economy Premium seats with increased legroom for
additional comfort and space. All seats have individual inflight
entertainment on demand, power outlets and each customer is treated to
Azul’s international flagship meal service.
About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier
in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando,
and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 35 million customers a year to
96 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of
900 daily flights. For more information please visit jetblue.com.
About Azul
Azul Brazilian Airlines is the airline with the greatest number of
destinations served in Brazil. The company has a fleet of 140 aircraft,
more than 10,000 employees, over 900 departures per day, 100+
destinations being served and one-third of all the departures in the
country. The quality of its services has been proven by many national
and international awards. In 2015 Azul was named by Skytrax World
Airline Awards, for the fifth time in a row, as the "Best low-cost
airline in South America". The company also received in 2015 the OAG
Award as the "Low-Cost Airline with best on-time performance." For more
information visit www.voeazul.com.br.
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