Azul Cargo Express is preparing to launch regional operations in Brazil using two Airbus A321-200 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft leased from AerCap.
The logistics unit of Azul Linhas Aéreas said it will carry out flights between Viracopos International Airport (VCP) in Campinas and Manaus International Airport (MAO) in Brazil.
Azul will also carry out VCP to Recife Guararapes International Airport - Gilberto Freyre (REC) flights as well as flights between REC and MAO.
The airline said in a LinkedIn post on 5 February that it would begin operating these routes using the A321P2Fs on 15 February.
Last year, German conversion firm Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) redelivered the A321P2Fs aircraft to AerCap for lease to Azul Cargo. The first aircraft to be delivered was the first ever A321P2F to be operated in South America.
In a follow up LinkedIn post on 6 February, Azul said it had held a launch event for its ”new Airbus A321P2F freighter aircraft” at its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hangar at VCP.
"These new aircraft are designed to carry up to 27 tons, with a volumetric capacity of 212 cu m, offering more efficiency and sustainability," said Azul.
"Compared to our current fleet, they offer a 39% increase in weight capacity and a 27% reduction in fuel consumption per tonne, as well as savings of up to 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per year per aircraft.”
According to Planespotters, in addition to the two A321P2Fs received in November, Azul has a Boeing 737-400F and four Embraer ERJ-195 'preighters' in its fleet.
Azul has been focussing on developing its e-commerce and express service offering in recent years and makes use of Azul Linhas Aéreas' extensive domestic network,
Azul Linhas Aéreas also flies to Miami and Orlando in the US, plus Paris and Lisbon in Europe.
EFW has seen steady demand for its A321P2F conversions. Alongside AerCap, EFW has previously secured orders from companies including SmartLynx Airlines, lessor BBAM and Japan Airlines (JAL) and Yamato Holdings.
Airbus A321-200 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversions will become much more common in the future, aviation data company IBA has predicted.
Other conversion companies currently carrying out A321 conversions include 321 Precision Conversions, a joint venture between Aircraft Transport Services Group (ATSG) and Precision Aircraft Solutions (PAS).
