Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (AD, São Paulo Viracopos) has completed the conversion and certification of the world's first E195 dedicated freighter.

The Brazilian carrier executed the process largely in-house and in partnership with LHColus Tecnologia. The Brazilian civil aviation authority (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil - ANAC) issued the requisite certificate on February 1, 2022, after which PR-AXW (msn 19000638) entered into commercial service on February 7, operating its first flight from São Paulo Viracopos to Porto Alegre International, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows.

The conversion expands the Embraer jet's cargo capacity to 15 tonnes. As the world's first Class F freighter, the E195 freighter can carry cargo in special fire-resistant containers rather than standard ones. The aircraft's superstructure has not, however, been equipped with large cargo doors.

Azul plans to induct a further three converted E195 freighters in the coming months all of which will compliment Azul Cargo's fleet of two B737-300(F)s and will be used predominantly on thinner routes. The carrier's Azul Conecta (2F, Jundiaí) subsidiary operates a further three Cessna (single turboprop) C208B Grand Caravans in a permanent cargo configuration.