United Airlines (Chicago) and Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras (Azul Brazilian Airlines) (Sao Paulo) today (June 26) announced a new strategic partnership in which United will acquire an approximate 5 percent stake in Azul, Brazil’s third-largest airline, paving the way for the carriers to cooperate on a range of customer benefits including codesharing of flights (subject to government approval), expanded connection opportunities on routes between the United States and Brazil, in addition to other points in North and South America, and joint loyalty-program participation.
Through a wholly owned subsidiary, United will invest $100 million for its economic stake in Azul, which includes one seat on Azul’s board of directors.
As a result of the partnership, United and Azul will expand their frequent flyer loyalty agreement.
Copyright Photo Above: Rodrigo Cozzato/AirlinersGallery.com. The announcement ceremony in Sao Paulo today.
United began serving Brazil in 1992, with flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The airline currently operates five daily flights to Brazil from its Chicago (O’Hare), Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Newark and Washington (Dulles) hubs.
Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. United Airlines’ Boeing 777-222 ER N229UA (msn 30557) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.
United Airlines aircraft slide show: 
Azul aircraft slide show:
Bottom Copyright Photo: Marcelo F. De Biasi/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 727-202 PR-AZS (msn 523) arrives at the Viracopos International Airport (Campinas) base serving the Campinas area near Sao Paulo.
