Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (AD, São Paulo Viracopos) has announced the expansion of flights from its Recife hub, with the addition of flights to Serra Talhada and Caruaru domestically, Rosario Islas Malvinas and Córdoba International in Argentina, and Fort Lauderdale International in the USA. The new flights are scheduled to start in 2018.
The new Argentinean flights will be offered 1x weekly aboard A320neo aircraft, of which Azul has eight, while the 2x weekly Fort Lauderdale flights will use A330-200 equipment, of which Azul has six. The domestic flights, currently scheduled for 1x weekly, will utilise Azul's fleet of forty ATR 72-200/-500/-600s, pending approval for the airports to receive the aircraft.
"Our network in Recife is growing every day, allowing companies to provide fast and convenient connections to various destinations in the country and the world," said Azul's President, John Rodgerson, in a statement. "The Government of the State of Pernambuco is an excellent partner of Azul and has worked to create conditions that allow us to continue investing in the expansion of our operations in the state."
Recife is Azul's third busiest airport, with around 300 flights each week to 23 destinations. It currently offers only one international route from the Pernambuco airport, with a 4x weekly service to Orlando International. Other international destinations served from Recife are, regionally, Panamá City Tocumen International provided by Copa Airlines, Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini by GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, Montevideo Carrasco by Gol, and Buenos Aires Ezeiza by LATAM Airlines Brasil, while further afield, Miami International is offered by LATAM, Frankfurt International by Condor, and Lisbon by TAP Air Portugal.
