Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (Sao Paulo) will become a new Airbus A320neo operator starting in 2016. The company has issued this statement (translated from Portuguese):

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras will have a new aircraft type to its fleet from 2016: this is the Airbus A320neo. The company intends to use the new aircraft to increase its supply of seats on routes of long distances and high demand of customers. The A320neo will be configured for up to 174 seats and equipped with the new generation of CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The agreement provides for the introduction of 63 aircraft, of which 35 will be acquired by the Blue and the other 28 will be through leasing with AerCap companies (20 units) and GECAS (8 units). All aircraft will be gradually introduced to the company’s fleet between 2016 and 2023.

“The A320neo will be a perfect addition to our fleet of Embraer and ATR jets. We evaluated the Boeing aircraft, which has options in the same category, but we chose the Airbus for comfort and lower operating costs, allowing us to offer even more competitive rates on long-haul routes. The A320neo consume up to 20% less fuel per seat / km over the current model. They will have already established the Azul Area and will be equipped with slimline seats and live TV. In addition, the bathrooms of the new model have been repositioned and give more space to the cabin, “said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Blue. “The new aircraft will also benefit other Blue’s business units. We may, for example, devote more space to carry loads, or even provide more seats for customers of TudoAzul and Blue Travel, “added Neeleman.

Image: Airbus.