Azul

Azul Brazilian Airlines has placed an order with Airbus for 35 A320neo family airliners to be powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines.

The carrier is also leasing 28 A320neo aircraft, which along with the new aircraft from Airbus, will be deployed on domestic long-haul flights and high-density routes, including Campinas to Salvador and Campinas to Recife.

The A320neo’s low operating costs and fuel efficiency are the key drivers for Azul to select the aircraft, according to Airbus.

Azul Brazilian Airlines founder and CEO David Neeleman said: "In addition to its market leading economics, which will allow Azul to stimulate new demand, the A320neo is also a perfect complement to our E-Jet fleet, giving us additional seats and capacity that can be dedicated to strategic projects like TudoAzul, Azul Viagens and Azul Cargo."

"The LEAP engine is said to offer double-digit improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over other CFM engines."

The airline is planning to launch new international routes with a fleet of 12 leased, wide-body aircraft, including seven Airbus A330-200 and five Airbus A350-900.

Azul has placed a $900m order with CFM International for LEAP-1A engines for the new 35 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The LEAP engine is said to offer double-digit improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over other CFM engines.

Airbus COO customers John Leahy said: "We are pleased that Azul recognises Airbus’ commitment to Brazil and the importance of operating the high-performance A320neo in key airports such as Santos Dumont in Rio."

Image: The new A320neo family aircraft will serve domestic long-haul flights and high-density routes. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus S.A.S.

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