United Airlines has initiated a strategic partnership with fast growing Brazilian carrier Azul, supported by a 5% stake in Brazil’s third largest airline worth about $100 million.
The partnership will enable flyers to earn and redeem miles on each others’ loyalty programs – United’s MileagePlus and Azul’s TudoAzul.
The two carriers will expand codesharing on routes between the US and Brazil and other South American destinations, offering more flight options for travelers, says United vice chairman and chief revenue officer Jim Compton.
"Brazil is an important market in United’s global route network and this partnership with Azul further strengthens our ties to the region. Together we will offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience when traveling to and from destinations across Brazil," Compton said.
United flies to Brazil from its Chicago, Houston, Newark and Washington Dulles hubs.
Subject to approvals, Azul will place its code on United flights across the US and the Caribbean.
