ILFC and Azul Brazilian Airlines Sign Agreement to Lease Five Airbus A350-900 and Three A330-200 Aircraft

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Azul Brazilian Airlines (Azul) to lease five Airbus A350-900 and three A330-200 aircraft. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s new international routes from São Paulo/Campinas airport to the U.S., which are expected to launch in early 2015.
Aircraft Will Support the Airline’s Debut International Routes to the U.S.

 “ILFC is pleased to support Azul’s introduction of international service with these Airbus A350s and A330s,” said ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron. “There is a real opportunity for Azul to build on its successful base in Brazil and provide air service in a region which is becoming increasingly important to the aviation marketplace. We believe this is only the beginning of a successful strategic partnership between Azul and ILFC.”

 “Azul is the one airline that truly serves all of Brazil. With 104 destinations, Azul unites the country better than any other airline, with convenient and frequent connections,” said Azul Chief Executive Officer and Founder David Neeleman. “Our customers have been asking for this and now we look forward to providing them with our superior service on international flights, just as we have been doing today on our 880 daily domestic departures. We’re excited to share the Azul experience with new customers internationally and expand the airline’s success story beyond Brazil’s borders.”

The A350-900 aircraft are anticipated to deliver in 2017, while deliveries of the A330-200 aircraft are expected to begin in 2014. Rolls-Royce engines will power the aircraft.
Image:Azul