South Seas AviationAzul moves forward with fleet modernization
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, a Brazilian airline, reports that its fleet modernization program is moving forward. The carrier added five new aircraft in the third quarter of 2019, and expects 12 aircraft to be delivered by the end of the year. It has also reported a step forward in previously announced plan to remarket its entire Embraer E190/195 fleet.
Azul received three Airbus A320neo, one A330 and a brand new Embraer E195-E2 in Q3, 2019. Additional 12 planes, including its first Airbus A321 neo, are expected to arrive the following quarter. Azul expects its capacity to grow by approximately 20% in 2019.
Azul is also transitioning to newer models of Embraer aircraft. Back in July 2018, the Brazilian carrier announced a letter of intent to obtain 21 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, increasing its total firm order of E2s to 51. In September 2019, the Brazilian airline received its first Embraer E2 family jet ‒ E195-E2. The biggest of three E2 variants, the type was certified in April 2019. Another E195-E2 reached the fleet in November, leaving four jets to be delivered by the end of 2019.
Simultaneously to adding new E2 jets, Azul’s plan to remarket the older Embraer jets is also moving forward. The airline announced the intention in September 2018, revealing an ambition to replace its entire Embraer E190/E195 fleet, in hopes it would accelerate the transition from E1 to E2 fleet and significantly reduce operating costs.
Now, the airline has already signed a memorandum of understanding to sublease up to 32 of its Embraer E190/E195s. The carrier 57 of these jets in its fleet: 51 Embraer ERJ-195 and six Embraer ERJ-190.
Source: https://bit.ly/2NCxqVt
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