The Brazilian airline has revealed plans for more next-gen widebodies.

A firm order for a trio of Airbus A330neos has been agreed by Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras. Thanks to the move it will enable the Brazilian-based carrier to “further expand its international network”.

The airline became the first in the Americas to receive an A330neo in 2019 and the introduction of these additional -900 widebodies will complement Azul’s existing five-strong contingent of the next-generation type.

John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul, said: “We are delighted to have secured three more next-gen Airbus widebody aircraft for the upcoming years. This reaffirms our position as the airline with the most modern fleet in the region, with 70% of our capacity coming from fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.”

Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International, added: “We applaud Azul’s decision that shows their forward-looking strategy and proves the economics and performance of the A330neo are most compelling. The A330neo is the perfect tool to support Azul in expanding its fleet with the right-sized, modern widebody, leveraging the latest technology and efficiency and contributing to reducing CO2.”

In other developments, following the arrival in Brazil of the first A350-900 jet for Azul in September, the European manufacturer stated that four examples were due to start operating with the carrier “in the coming weeks.”

Azul, which has a domestic network spanning more than 150 destinations within Brazil, also flies to further locations in South America, the US and Europe.