[Avionics Today 06-29-2015] United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines today 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.
United Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft. Photo: United.
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.
“Brazil is an important market in United’s global route network and this partnership with Azul further strengthens our ties to the region,” said Jim Compton, United’s vice chairman and chief revenue officer. “Together we will offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience when traveling to and from destinations across Brazil.”