United Airlines will make a US$100 million strategic investment to acquire approximately 5% stake in Azul Brazilian Airlines through a wholly owned subsidiary as well as plans to codeshare on routes between U.S. and Brazil in addition to other points in North and South America. If approved by both governments, travellers will get more choice and convenience to and from destinations throughout Brazil.
Azul Brazilian Airlines is Brazil’s third-largest airline with more than 900 daily flights to over 100 destinations. Azul serves more destinations in Brazil than any other Brazilian carrier with a fleet of 145 aircraft and more than 10,000 crewmembers, including more than 50 daily flights from São Paolo’s Guaruihos International Airport. United will place its UA code on flights in Azul’s network from Guarulhos to key destinations throughout Brazil as well as Azul’s flights to Florida. Azul plans to place its code on United routes throughout North America and the Caribbean, pending government approval. Azul was named in 2015 by Skytrax World Airline Awards for the fifth time in a row as the “Best low-cost airline in South America”.
The strategic partnership will allow both airlines to expand their routes as well as a joint loyalty-programme participation. MileagePlus and TudoAzul members will have reciprocal benefits to earn and redeem miles systemwide on both airlines.
