Azul has announced that its cargo business unit recorded a 36% growth in terms of revenue during the first quarter of 2020 and a 13% growth in March compared to the same period in 2019. This follows Azul Cargo Express’s strong track record of revenue growth of 41% and 61% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Azul Cargo makes a vast array of options available to its customers during this critical time. Two Boeing 737 freighter aircraft are serving the high density cargo markets in the country. The A320neo and Embraer aircraft are carrying critical belly space cargo complemented by our ATR 72-600 and ATR 72-600 “quick change” cargo dedicated aircraft. In addition, the Company has partnered with TwoFlex aviation to provide Cessna Grand Caravan cargo services to the most remote parts of Brazil. The widebody A330 passenger aircraft are already fulfilling cargo flights between the US and Brazil, and next week the Company plans to begin A320neo and Embraer passenger aircraft dedicated cargo services where cargo is carried in the passenger cabin.
“We are proud to service Brazil in these critical missions. Our cargo services have been performing an important role in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Since March, we have seen an increase in demand for air transportation of health care materials, including medicine, masks, and hospital equipment. Express deliveries from our e-commerce partners have also surged over the past few weeks, as most of the Brazilian population remains under quarantine. In March our cargo business grew compared to last year even though we had a significant capacity reduction in our passenger network” said John Rodgerson, Azul’s CEO.