FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Azul, Brazil's largest airline by number of cities served, commemorated its first international flight today, landing at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at 5am. Fort Lauderdale, and the US itself, marks Azul's first international route. The airline's inaugural departure will leave for São Paulo/Campinas at 7pm this evening.
Since its debut six years ago on December 15, 2008, Azul has flown more than 100 million customers, changing the face of competition in the Brazilian domestic aviation market. The airline's 145-aircraft fleet currently operates one-third of Brazil's daily departures with more than 850 flights, serving 105 destinations throughout Brazil. From its new $1.5 billion terminal at São Paulo/Campinas International Airport, located 60 minutes from the city, Azul conveniently connects to popular destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Salvador and Iguacu Falls.
"It's with great happiness and deep pride in the accomplishments of our 10,000 crewmembers, that we bring Azul to Fort Lauderdale as our very first international city served," said David Neeleman, Azul's Founder and CEO.
Flights will depart Fort Lauderdale (FLL) at 7pm, arriving the next day at São Paulo/Campinas (VCP) at 6:20am. Returning flights leave VCP at 11:27pm, arriving the following day at FLL at 5am.
In two weeks, on December 15, which is also the airline's sixth anniversary, Azul will inaugurate daily service between Orlando International and São Paulo/Campinas. Fares for the new services from both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando can be purchased on www.flyazul.com, starting from $888 roundtrip* (including fees and taxes).
* Fare based on economy class service, for low season. Seats are limited and fare may not be available on all flights.
About Azul
Azul, the third largest airline in Brazil, offers more than 850 daily flights to 105 destinations. With a fleet of 145 aircraft and around 10,000 crewmembers, the company currently has a 33% share of departures of the Brazilian aviation market. In 2014, Azul was named best low cost carrier in Latin America for the fourth consecutive time by Skytrax. The airline was also named Best Low Cost Carrier in the World by CAPA in 2012 and is recognized by FlightStats as having the best on-time performance in Latin America. For more information visit www.flyazul.com.