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Apr 04, 2024

Azul Linhas Aéreas Adds Four ATR 72

These planes are equipped with the new PW 127XT-M engine. Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas announced the arrival of four new turboprop ATR 72-600 aircraft, allowing the company to strengthen its

These planes are equipped with the new PW 127XT-M engine.

Brazilian carrier Azul Linhas Aéreas announced the arrival of four new turboprop ATR 72-600 aircraft, allowing the company to strengthen its regional routes across the South American country. Three of these planes, registrations PR-YXT, PR-YXA, and PR-YXB, have already been delivered, with the last one expected to start operations in August.

Azul’s business model includes the operation of several types of planes, from smaller nine-seat Cessna to Airbus A350 widebodies. The airline is not afraid to operate a fleet with little commonality (it has planes manufactured by Cessna, ATR, Embraer, and Airbus), as they give Azul the ability to fly to almost every airport in Brazil, the country with the most airports in the world.

This year, Azul reached an agreement to add four new ATRs to its fleet, with more efficient engines and potential savings of 20% in maintenance costs. The first and second planes, with registrations PR-YXT and PR-YXA, respectively, began operations in January, while the third, PR-YXB, was delivered last month ad will start flying in July. The fourth aircraft, PR-YXC, will arrive at the company in the coming days and is expected to start operations in August. According to data from ch-aviation, Azul currently has 41 ATR 72-600s. Its overall fleet comprises 175 aircraft, one of the largest in South America.

According to Raphael Linares, director of the fleet at Azul Linhas Aéreas, the aircraft are equipped with the new PW127XT-M engine, which promises to reduce maintenance costs by up to 20%. From a technical point of view, the engines feature significant improvements, such as hybrid ceramic bearings, more efficient compressors, and turbines made with advanced materials. As a result, these engines can reduce fuel consumption by at least 3%.

He added,

“Azul takes its commitment to more sustainable operations seriously and recognizes the need to invest in modern aircraft continually. Currently, 70% of our seats belong to new generation aircraft with less environmental impact.”

The ATR turboprops, alongside Azul Conecta’s Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, are strategic for developing regional aviation in Brazil. Due to their size, these turboprops can easily land at smaller airports and on shorter runways unsuitable for jets. This is why about 80% of all Azul’s routes are uncontested (LATAM and GOL only operate Airbus A320-family-based and Boeing 737-family-based planes).

In addition, because the turboprops are closer to the ground, they already have a boarding ladder built into the door. From the business point of view, the ATRs operate on routes with fewer customers and allow the growth of new markets.

“By investing in smaller aircraft, we were able to diversify the airline network, serving cities that previously did not have available flights. We are proud of the 40 ATRs in our fleet because they are transforming agents of many Brazilian cities, boosting tourism and creating opportunities for our customers, besides ensuring the flexibility characteristic of the Azul network,” said Raphael Linares.

What do you think about Azul’s fleet plans? Have you ever traveled onboard the airline’s ATR fleet? How was the experience? Let us know in the comments below.

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Lead Journalist - South America - Daniel comes to Simple Flying with many years of aviation journalism experience, having worked with Mexican publication A21, Roads & Kingdoms, El Economista and more. His degree in journalism allows him to form beautifully crafted and insightful pieces. His specialist knowledge of Latin American airlines and close relationship with the likes of Aeromexico, Avianca, Volaris brings depth to our coverage in the region. Based in Mexico City, Mexico.