Azul Linhas Aereas (Sao Paulo) signed a contract with ATR for the purchase of 40 ATR 72-600s; 20 on firm order and 20 options. This agreement, signed and announced at London’s Farnborough Air Show, makes Azul the first airline in Latin America to place an order for the ATR -600 series aircraft. The deal is worth $850 million, including the options, and deliveries of the new aircraft will commence in late 2011.

The new ATR 72-600 fleet, in a 70-seat configuration, will enable Azul to continue expansion of its domestic regional network as it adds smaller regional routes. Azul currently serves 21 destinations in Brazil with a mix of Embraer ERJ 190 and ERJ 195 aircraft (with 106 and 118 seats each, respectively).