Azul has taken two Airbus A320neo aircraft previously operated by bankrupt Avianca Brazil.

The aircraft (MSNs 7918 and 8086) are leased from BOC Aviation and were added to Azul's fleet in January, Flight Fleets Analyzer shows.

Avianca Brazil filed for the Brazilian equivalent of bankruptcy in December after it was unable to renegotiate terms with some of its aircraft lessors. Since then, Aircastle and GECAS have attempted to repossess at least 20 aircraft but these moves have been postponed by a Brazilian court until at least 1 February.

Aircastle has 10 A320s at Avianca Brazil, and GECAS 10 A320neos, Fleets Analyzer shows.

In addition, the airline has said it will return its five remaining A330s - one was returned to Aircastle in December - and cease long-haul international flying.

Azul has expressed interest in some or all of Avianca Brazil's A320neo fleet since December, sources have told FlightGlobal.

Viracopos-based Azul operated 20 A320neos at the end of 2018, using the aircraft to upgauge from Embraer 195s. The airline says that, while the trip cost of the Airbus narrowbody is roughly 5% higher than the E195, the seat cost is about 29% lower.

Azul configures its A320neos with 174 seats and its E185s with 118 seats.

Azul did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Source: Cirium Dashboard