Azul has taken delivery of its first A330-900 acquired directly from Airbus, marking the start of deliveries from an order for 11 aircraft.
The widebody, registered PR-ANU, was handed over at Airbus’ Toulouse facility and is expected to enter commercial service in June. Azul said a second aircraft is scheduled for delivery later this year, with the remaining units to arrive progressively over the coming years.
Although the airline has operated the A330-900 since 2019, its existing fleet of the type was acquired through leasing arrangements. PR-ANU is the first aircraft delivered under a direct purchase agreement with Airbus.
The delivery comes as Azul reshapes its long-haul fleet following its recent financial restructuring. The carrier has begun returning several leased A330-900s to lessor Avolon, with five of those aircraft expected to be transferred to the rival GOL, which plans to launch widebody long-haul operations in the second half of the year.
Related news
Azul uses the A330-900 on international routes linking Brazil with destinations in Europe and the United States. The newly delivered aircraft is configured with 298 seats, including 34 in business class, 96 in extra-legroom economy and 168 in standard economy.
Azul A330-900 | Azul 
Azul A330-900 | Azul 
Azul A330-900 | Azul
“These aircraft represent a new chapter for Azul,” said Raphael Linares, the airline’s vice-president of legal affairs and fleet, in a statement announcing the delivery.
The delivery follows Azul’s recent exit from Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States, after the carrier completed a restructuring that included agreements with major creditors, many of them aircraft lessors, aimed at reducing debt and strengthening liquidity.
The A330neo family has secured 489 orders, including 477 for the A330-900 and 12 for the smaller A330-800. Through April, Airbus had delivered 191 aircraft, comprising 183 A330-900s and eight A330-800s. Major operators of the type include Delta Air Lines, Condor, TAP Air Portugal, Virgin Atlantic and Cebu Pacific.
