Brazilian carrier Azul has confirmed plans to launch international flights in 2012, and is studying potential destinations in South America.
Azul's chief operating officer Miguel Dau confirms to Air Transport Intelligence that his airline is "evaluating the possibility to launch routes to international destinations, although exclusively within South America".
"At this moment we are evaluating the different options", he said, adding that a full international expansion plan will be firmed up next year.
Among the local carriers in Brazil, only Star Alliance member TAM operates a significant international network, holding a 90% share in the international market among Brazilian carriers.
Dau said that "Argentina is one of Brazil's natural markets" but it is not clear if current circumstances allow for a southbound expansion. The Argentinean government, which owns loss-making flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas, has not authorised any new route requests from Brazilian carriers for two years.
However, Azul's recent decision to launch a new non-stop route in December from its Sao Paulo hub to Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas region, might shed some light on Azul's international route development strategy.
Located in the very heart of South America and with Azul developing an increasing number of non-stop connections to most major Brazilian cities, Manaus could be a well-located hub to help connect Brazil's less connected cities with other international capitals.
Azul started operations less than three years ago and operates 31 Embraer E190/195 jets, with 36 more on order and options
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
