United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines form strategic partnership, offering travelers more options in South America

▲United Airlines will launch a new strategic partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines. (Photo / Provided by United Airlines)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Compiled from multiple sources

United Airlines announced a new strategic partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines, Brazil’s third-largest airline, giving travelers more choices when flying between the U.S. and Brazil.

Azul Brazilian Airlines is the Brazilian low-cost carrier that flies to the most cities, operating over 900 daily flights to more than 100 destinations. Under the new strategic partnership, United Airlines will acquire a 5% stake in Azul, and will offer codeshare services (subject to government approval) on Azul flights from São Paulo’s airport to other major Brazilian cities and to Florida, as well as on United’s North American and Caribbean routes. The partnership will also include flight connections between North and South America and collaboration on customer loyalty programs.