Azul Conecta has taken the first delivery of two Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft from Textron Aviation. It has placed an order for five aircraft with the option for an additional five, and will use the fleet to transport travellers from smaller cities and remote locations across Brazil.

“Azul Airline's business plan is to develop a regional and sub-regional aviation company in Brazil, and our operations with Azul Conecta represent this well since last year,” says Flavio Costa, CEO, Azul Conecta. “From August 2020 until now, we have already transported more than 40,000 customers, opened 12 new destinations, and completed more than 15,000 flight hours. However, we are growing, and the announced purchase of new planes coming from the factory is a demonstration that we are expanding our operations in the country.”

It is expected to take delivery of another Grand Caravan EX in 2021 and two more in 2022. With the addition of the most recent two aircraft, Azul Conecta now operates 18 Caravan turboprops in its fleet.

“The Caravan platform provides a valuable form of transportation throughout Brazil, especially for people in rural areas,” says Marcelo Moreira, vice president of sales for Latin America, Textron Aviation.