Next-generation fuel efficient Embraer E2 and A320neo aircraft to replace Embraer E-195s
PR Newswire
SAO PAULO, Feb. 6, 2019
SAO PAULO, Feb. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Azul, the largest
airline in Brazil by number of departures and destinations, announces today 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. Consistent with our fleet upgauging strategy, total available seat kilometers (ASKs) are expected
to increase by 18% while departures should grow by only 5%.
For John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul, this acceleration is a further step in achieving Azul's margin
expansion plan. "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, an industry-leading 40% of Azul's capacity is expected be flown
on next-generation aircraft.
The table below provides further detail on Azul's updated fleet plan projections for 2019:
Azul Fleet Projection
|
2018A
|
2019 Old
|
2019 New
|
|
A320neo family
|
20
|
27
|
32
|
|
E2s
|
0
|
2
|
6
|
|
E-Jets
|
63
|
55
|
48
|
|
ATRs
|
33
|
36
|
33
|
|
A330s
|
7
|
11
|
10
|
|
Total commercial
fleet
|
123
|
131
|
129
|
About Azul
Azul S.A. (B3: AZUL4, NYSE: AZUL), the largest airline in Brazil by number of cities served,
offers 821 daily flights to 110 destinations. With an operating fleet of 123 aircraft and more than 11,000 crewmembers, the
Company has a network of 220 non-stop routes as of December 31, 2018. In 2018, Azul was awarded
best airline in Latin America by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice and by Kayak's Flight Hacker
Guide, and also best regional carrier in South America for the eighth consecutive time by
Skytrax. Azul also ranked as most on-time airline in Brazil in 2018 according to FlightStats.
For more information visit www.voeazul.com.br/ir.
Contact
Investor Relations
Tel: +55 11 4831 2880
invest@voeazul.com.br
Media Relations
Tel: +55 11 4831 1245
imprensa@voeazul.com.br
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SOURCE Azul Linhas Aéreas