Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras (Sao Paulo) operated its first international flight today (December 2), landing at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at 5 am (0500). Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood is Azul’s first international route. The airline’s inaugural departure will leave for Sao Paulo (Campinas) at 7 pm (1900) this evening.

According to the airline, “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 Sao 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.

Flights will depart Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) at 7 pm (1900), arriving the next day at Sao Paulo-Campinas (VCP) at 6:20 am (0620). Returning flights leave VCP at 11:27 pm (2327, arriving the following day at FLL at 5 am (0500).

In two weeks, on December 15, which is also the airline’s sixth anniversary, Azul will inaugurate daily service between Orlando International and Sao Paulo-Campinas.

In other news, Azul is planning an IPO according to Reuters. Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-243 PR-AIZ (msn 527) climbs away from Campinas International Airport.

Azul aircraft slide show: