Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras has formerly applied to the US Department of Transportation for authority to launch its first overseas flights.
The Brazilian airline, created by JetBlue co-founder David Neeleman, plans to fly from Sao Paulo to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in December.
It will also start a daily Sao Paulo-New York service in July 2015.
The news follows a statement last month from Azul outlining its expansion plans with direct US services a priority. ~
Flights will be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, the airline said.
Established in 2008, Azul has rapidly grown to be a major player in the Brazilian domestic market, and operates more than 800 daily flights to over 100 destinations in the country. ~
The airline’s strategy so far has been to encourage demand offering affordable flights to underserved cities throughout Brazil.
In a statement accompanying the DOT application, the company said its first international services "will provide additional nonstop travel opportunities to citizens of both the US and the Brazil, benefit travelers in both countries, and will therefore serve the public interest."
