United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines have announced a strategic, long-term partnership that expands travel options between the United States and Brazil. The agreement opens United’s global network to Brazilian travelers and gives U.S. passengers more convenient connections to popular Brazilian cities.
As part of the deal, United will invest $100 million to acquire a 5 percent stake in Azul, Brazil’s third-largest airline. The partnership includes codeshare arrangements and reciprocal benefits for each carrier’s frequent-flyer programs, creating smoother connections and more rewards for travelers using either airline.
Pending regulatory approval, United will place its flight code on Azul services between São Paulo Guarulhos and key domestic destinations across Brazil, as well as on Azul’s Airbus A330 flights operating between São Paulo Campinas and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Azul, in turn, will add its code to United flights within North America and to select services throughout the Caribbean, simplifying itineraries and ticketing for passengers traveling between the regions.
“Brazil is an important market in United’s global route network and this partnership with Azul further strengthens our ties to the region,” said Jim Compton, vice chairman and chief revenue officer of United Airlines. “Together we will offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience when traveling to and from destinations across Brazil.”
United currently flies to Brazil from several U.S. hubs, operating daily services from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Azul is the Brazilian carrier with the most extensive domestic reach, operating more than 900 daily flights to over 100 destinations with a fleet of approximately 145 aircraft. The new partnership is designed to leverage each airline’s strengths—Azul’s deep domestic coverage in Brazil and United’s broad international network—to provide passengers with expanded routing options, improved connections and enhanced loyalty benefits.
Once finalized, the collaboration will make it easier for travelers to book single-ticket itineraries across the two carriers, earn and redeem frequent-flyer miles on partner flights, and access coordinated schedules and customer service touchpoints. This alliance reflects growing connectivity between the U.S. and Brazil and aims to support both business and leisure travel through more seamless, efficient air service.