Azul Logística is looking ahead to the further expansion of its cargo business through the addition of four Airbus A321 freighters.
Earlier this year, the cargo division of Azul Linhas Aéreas announced it would add four further A321 freighters to the two it already operates. The carrier took delivery of its first A321F last year and the latest are due to begin delivery this year, with the final one due for delivery in 2027.
The Airbus freighters are being used to replace the airline’s previous fleet of classic Boeing 737 freighters, the last of which was retired last year.
The carrier also previously operated five Embraer E195 Class F ‘preighters’.
Azul has been focusing on developing its e-commerce and express service offering in recent years and makes use of Azul Linhas Aéreas’ domestic network.
Global GSA Group, which works with the airline, welcomed the opportunity the new freighters would bring, saying they would support expansion of key domestic and intra-American network.
“Azul already operates over 800 domestic flights per day and handles more than 100,000 shipments each day,” says Aytekin Saray, chief executive of Global GSA Group.
“With four new freighters soon being delivered, we will be able to optimise Azul Logística’s operations using data analytics and other CargoTech software solutions to determine sustainable strategies for certain key routes currently operating at peak, while supporting business development, market expertise, and regional coordination across Latin America.”
Those routes include double-daily, domestic flights to Manaus (MAO) and scheduled flights to Belém (BEL), as well as new international routes.
Scheduled flights to Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Buenos Aires (EZE) have already begun, while Lima (LIM) and Montevideo (MVD) are in the pipeline.
Azul also operates charter flights for special projects, such as hatching eggs and audio equipment for touring bands.
“Our success story with the Airbus 321 freighter kicked off with the celebration of the first aircraft delivery at Campinas Airport, last year – and Global GSA Group’s market knowledge and network soon generated excellent load factors on its initial routes”, added Izabel Reis, director of Azul Logística.
“This freighter type offers the ideal versatility and size, allowing Azul to flex and offer market solutions where they are most needed. So, it was an easy decision to expand and modernise our fleet with an additional four Airbus 321 freighters, going forward.”
Azul Logística also plans to introduce weekly flights from Campinas, via Viracopos Airport, to Lima Airport in the second half of 2026, using the new Airbus A321 freighters.
“Lima is a logical strategic addition to Azul Logística’s network, given the high demand that we see from Europe and strong business from Peru to domestic Brazil via the Viracopos hub,” Saray added.
“These new services will offer more connectivity and open up all kinds of opportunities for forwarders throughout the region.
“This new connection also reinforces our own Global GSA Group growth strategy in South America and expands the logistics possibilities between Brazil and the Andean region, especially for sensitive, industrial and high-value cargo.”
