Azul Linhas Aéreas

A Brazilian budget airline (with premium service on long haul international routes)

Azul A330-900neo PR-ANV ("La Belle Azul")

Azul was founded in 2008 by David Neeleman, a serial budget airline entrepreneur. Prior to Azul, Neeleman founded or co-founded Morris Air (sold to Southwest), Westjet and jetBlue. Over the past 17 years, Azul has grown rapidly to become the second largest carrier in the country behind LATAM. Their domestic market share sits at ~31%, with Gol slightly behind at ~30%.

Key Stats (as of year end 2024):

• 31 million passengers

• 180+ aircraft

• 150+ domestic destinations

• $9.5 billion revenue

• $3.5 billion operating profit (18% margin)

Azul has focused heavily on domestic flying, connecting underserved cities like Manaus-Tefé, Recife-São Luís, and Cuiabá-Alta Floresta. They like to avoid competition - they are the sole operator on 80% of their routes.

When it comes to international long-haul flying, Azul operates as more of a full service carrier. Florida is their bread and butter given a lot of Brazilians live here and a great many more vacation here.

As such, it was too convenient not to try them on one of their three routes out of Orlando. I could choose from São Paulo (Campinas), Recife or Belo Horizonte.

Campinas seemed like the most logical choice for a first-time Azul flyer... it's their main hub, it's where they started back in 2009, and it would likely offer the best opportunity to examine the size & scope of Azul's operation.

Check out my Youtube video for the full Azul story, but for some brief snapshots of the airport & onboard experience, see below: