The airline Azul announced this Friday (24) the total suspension of its operations in 12 Brazilian cities from March 10th. Flights will be closed in Campos and Cabo Frio (RJ); Correia Pinto (SC); Crateús, São Benedito, Sobral and Iguatú (CE); Mossoró (RN); São Raimundo Nonato and Parnaíba (PI); Rio Verde (GO); and Barreirinha (MA).
The company alleged, in a press release, a series of factors, “ranging from the increase in aviation operating costs, impacted by the global crisis in the supply chain and the rise in the dollar, added to issues of fleet availability and adjustments of supply and demand”.
For the same reasons, there will be a reduction in supply and adjustments to Azul’s operations in other locations. Flights to Fernando de Noronha (PE) will only be operated from Recife. Also from March 10, flights departing from Juazeiro do Norte (CE) will have their destination at Viracopos airport, in Campinas (SP), the company’s main hub. Operations at Caruaru airport (PE) will be readjusted due to low occupancy. According to Azul, flights will now be carried out by Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, with capacity for nine customers.
“The changes are part of the Company’s operational planning, and impacted Customers are being notified in advance and will receive the necessary assistance, as provided for in resolution 400 of the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac).”
Last week, Azul and Abras, owner of Gol, another national airline, signed a memorandum of understanding to begin negotiations for a merger. If the union comes to fruition, the new company will account for 60% of the airline market in the country.
