Azul Airlines, an airline which operates out of Brazil, may be less known internationally, but it is widely spreading to be a more prominent name within the airline industry.
From its start in December 2008, according to the airline itself, it has become the fastest growing Brazilian airline. Azul serves over 100 destinations around Brazil, Latin America, and even some routes to the U.S,, such as Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Fleet Overview
In order to reach their many destinations, Azul boats a diverse and rather sizable fleet. The company currently flies A330-200s, ATR-42s, ATR-72s, Embraer 190s and EMB-195s. Furthermore, the airline has plans to take delivery of the Airbus A320neo and A350-900XWB. Both of which are expected to be delivered by 2017.
Market Analytics and Passenger Traffic
Two years after the airline started operations, 4 million passengers had been transported to 28 destinations with just 26 aircraft in service. By 2011, the number of passengers had doubled and they now maintained a fleet of 49 aircraft. In 2013, 20 million passengers had been flown to 103 destinations using their 133 aircraft fleet. Azul Airlines reports to have had a 17% market share in 2013.
Company Leadership
Interestingly, Azul was founded by David Neeleman, the same founder of JetBlue Airways. Currently, the company is led by Neeleman as he is Chief Executive Officer.
Passenger Experience
As far as customer service, Azul prides itself on providing the best. Along with good customer service, they provide two by two seating, eliminating a middle seat, extra leg room, complimentary beverages and snacks, and entertainment screens in every seat.
Additionally, Azul offers free bus service to major airports, competitive pricing, and a frequent flier program called TudoAzul. In order to increase the North American and South American market connections, Azul has connections with United’s MileagePlus program.
Their outstanding service has not gone unnoticed, and has earned them multiple awards in their six brief years of operation. In 2014, Skytrax named the airline as the best low cost Latin American airline, for the fourth time in a row. In addition, the airline gained the attention of FlightStats, who recognized them for the best on time performance in Latin America. In 2013, CAPA acknowledged them as the best low cost carrier in the world.
The six year old airline states: “The Azul Experience is a result of the hard work and dedication of our crew members, which are constantly thinking about your needs.” As the number of transported passengers continues to increase by the million, Azul’s future is looking bright and prosperous.
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