Azul Returns 17 Aircraft Amid Chapter 11 Restructuring in U.S. Court
Fleet reduction includes Embraer E195s, ATR 72-600s, and Boeing 737-400s as part of a cost-cutting strategy under bankruptcy protection.
Brazilian airline Azul has begun returning part of its fleet as part of its judicial restructuring under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, currently underway in the Southern District of New York.
In a court filing dated June 13, the company detailed the termination of several aircraft and engine leasing contracts, with returns scheduled between May 28 and June 17.
In total, Azul will return at least 17 aircraft, including Embraer E195s, ATR 72-600 turboprops, and Boeing 737-400SF freighters, along with eight engines under separate contracts. Leasing companies involved include Azorra, Falko, Bank of America, ICBC, and Citibank, with assets located at maintenance facilities in both Brazil and abroad.
Among the aircraft to be returned are Embraer E195s with registrations PR-AXK, PR-AUJ, PR-AUP, PR-AYY, PR-AUB, PR-AUC, PR-AYV, PR-AXD, PR-AXJ, PR-AUA, PR-AUO, and PR-AUQ, leased through firms such as Azorra, Falko, ICBC, UTF, Avolon, Bank of America, and Avenue Capital, according to Brazilian aviation outlet AEROIN.
Azul will also return three ATR 72-600s (PR-AKO, PR-AKM, PR-AKN) that primarily operated regional routes, along with two Boeing 737-400SFs (PR-AJY and PR-AJZ).
This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce costs and simplify the fleet as the airline works to renegotiate its debt and strengthen its financial foundation.
Since entering Chapter 11 proceedings on May 28, Azul has assured that it will continue operations as normal, including flight schedules, its frequent flyer program, and customer service, with support from lenders and suppliers.
The returned engines include CF34-10E units (General Electric) and CFM56-3C1 models (CFM International). Some equipment is already undergoing the return process at Azul’s own hangars or at maintenance centers such as Coopesa, GE-Celma, and Lufthansa MRO.
The court formally authorized these returns as part of the initial phase of the reorganization process. Azul is expected to submit new filings in the coming weeks with details on the next stages of its restructuring and the possibility of further asset returns.
This legal mechanism has been used by other international airlines in crisis, offering Azul greater legal clarity in negotiations with foreign lessors and investors.
How is Azul’s fleet currently composed?
According to data compiled by Aviacionline via Cirium Fleet Analyzer, Azul’s fleet at the time of publication includes:
- 49 Airbus A320neo in service and 2 stored
- 31 ATR 72-600 in service and 11 stored
- 31 Embraer E195-E2 in service and 4 stored
- 27 Embraer E195 in service and 18 stored
- 6 Airbus A321neo in service
- 6 A330-900neo in service and 1 stored
- 6 A330-200 in service
- 2 Airbus A321F in service
The fleet is supplemented by a Boeing 767-300 and a Boeing 777-200ER leased from EuroAtlantic Airways, as well as 26 Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft operated by its regional subsidiary, Azul Conecta.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline. Base: ROS Origen: RES
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