Brazilian carrier Azul expands North American connections

New partnerships with United Airlines and JetBlue Airways have allowed Brazilian carrier Azul, also known as Azul Linhas Aereas, to connect to 27 destinations across the United States and the Caribbean.

Boosting connections across North America

This Wednesday, Azul Linhas Aereas announced an expansion of its partnership with Chicago-based United Airlines and the addition of major low-cost airline JetBlue Airways.

Now, via the carrier’s website and app, Azul customers can book flights to a further 23 destinations in the United States and another four in the Caribbean.

Azul customers can now connect to the following destinations: New York (via JFK and Newark Liberty International), Boston, Houston, Albany, Las Vegas, Austin, Windsor Locks, Philadelphia, Charleston, Worcester, Richmond, Providence, Morrisville, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Portland, New Orleans, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Atlanta, Seattle, Mexico (Cancun), Aruba, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Haiti (Port-au-Prince).

This expansion means that rather than booking a flight on Azul to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida, and Orlando International Airport, customers are now able to make one singular reservation to all 27 destinations.

Azul’s Chief Revenue Officer, Abhi Shah, explained the changes:

“Azul’s clients that need to go to New York, for example, can fly with us from Viracopos (VCP) to Fort Lauderdale and then have a short layover to a connecting flight with a partner airline. All this with just one check-in for all flight segments and collecting luggage at the final destination, or point of entry in either the United States or Brasil.”

News elsewhere

Azul is the third largest domestic and the largest international airline in Brazil based on flight numbers and destinations served. The carrier was in the news most recently for changing its uniform policy for its staff – now pilots, flight attendants/cabin crew, and airport staff are now allowed to have piercings and display their tattoos and not face punishment. Varying hairstyles and hair colours are also now allowed.

Last week, Azul announced its relaxation of uniform rules and the personal presentation of pilots, cabin crew, flight attendants, and others in an attempt to make staff feel more comfortable. | © voeaazul.com.br

Azul’s Vice President of Operations, Daniel Tkacz, commented on the carrier’s recent changes and the importance of embracing individuality:

“The pilots’ and flight attendants’ uniforms are a part of the flight experience for both the crew and passengers, in addition to being designed with flight safety regulations in mind. We understand that certain changes, suggested by our crew, could be incorporated to make the day-to-day life of our crew members more comfortable while respecting the style and personality of each individual.”

What do you make of this news from Brazil’s largest airline? Let us know in the comments below.