LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Azul Brazilian Airlines (Azul) to lease five Airbus A350-900 and three A330-200 aircraft. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s new international routes from São Paulo/Campinas airport to the U.S., which are expected to launch in early 2015.
“ILFC is pleased to support Azul’s introduction of international service with these Airbus A350s and A330s,” said ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron. “There is a real opportunity for Azul to build on its successful base in Brazil and provide air service in a region which is becoming increasingly important to the aviation marketplace. We believe this is only the beginning of a successful strategic partnership between Azul and ILFC.”
“Azul is the one airline that truly serves all of Brazil. With 104 destinations, Azul unites the country better than any other airline, with convenient and frequent connections,” said Azul Chief Executive Officer and Founder David Neeleman. “Our customers have been asking for this and now we look forward to providing them with our superior service on international flights, just as we have been doing today on our 880 daily domestic departures. We’re excited to share the Azul experience with new customers internationally and expand the airline’s success story beyond Brazil’s borders.”
The A350-900 aircraft are anticipated to deliver in 2017, while deliveries of the A330-200 aircraft are expected to begin in 2014. Rolls-Royce engines will power the aircraft.
About Azul Brazilian Airlines
With less than six years in operation, Azul Brazilian Airlines has already flown more than 85 million customers and changed the face of air travel in the Brazilian market since its first flight on December 15, 2008. The foundation of the airline was built around the Brazilian made Embraer E-jet. From that foundation, Azul has expanded to 880 daily flights, which represents one-third of Brazil’s daily departures. The airline currently operates a fleet of 136 aircraft and employs more than 10,000 people. Azul has been voted the best low-cost carrier in South America three years in a row by Skytrax. In 2012, CAPA named the airline the best low-cost carrier in the world. Azul has also been voted one of the 50 most innovative companies in the world by Fast Company Magazine. www.voeazul.com.br
About ILFC
International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) is a global market leader in the leasing and remarketing of commercial aircraft. With nearly 1,000 owned and managed aircraft and commitments to purchase approximately 330 new high-demand, fuel-efficient aircraft, ILFC is the world's largest independent aircraft lessor. ILFC has approximately 200 customers in more than 80 countries and provides part-out and engine leasing services through its subsidiary, AeroTurbine. ILFC operates from offices in Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Dublin, Miami, Seattle, and Singapore. ILFC is a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). www.ilfc.com | Twitter: @ILFCGlobal
About AIG
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Additional information about AIG can be found at www.aig.com.
