Azul Linhas Aéreas successfully concluded a process initiated many months ago for the inclusion of the Airbus A350-900 XWB in its operating specifications and, last week, received the green light from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to start using the aircraft, the largest ever operated in its history, in its airline network.
The approval process for a new aircraft model must follow multiple stages, ranging from the preparation of operational and training manuals to in-flight and ground testing. Besides requiring thousands of staff hours, it is an expensive process, where the company proves to the regulator that it can operate the aircraft safely.
As per our media partner Aeroin, the Airbus A350-900 XWB is part of the company’s fleet modernization plan, with a configuration for to 334 passengers. Currently, Azul has one aircraft in Brazil, which was used in all tests with ANAC inspectors. A second one should arrive before the end of the year.
The A350 flights will take off from Viracopos International Airport in Campinas (SP), where the company already operates its largest hub. The first destination will be Orlando, Florida (USA), starting December 15, in one of the company’s two daily flights. From January 1, 2023 and throughout the high season, all Azul’s operations between Viracopos and Orlando will be done with this equipment.
