Azul Conecta secures Santa Catarina regional flight contract and orders new SkyCourier planes

Azul Conecta, the regional arm of Azul Linhas Aéreas, was the sole company qualified in the public tender launched by the Government of Santa Catarina (program VOA+ SC) to operate regular passenger and cargo flights linking the state capital Florianópolis with nine interior cities – Joaçaba, Caçador, Lages, Chapecó, São Miguel do Oeste, Blumenau, Joinville, Jaguaruna and Forquilhinha/Criciúma. The award follows a lowest‑price selection and includes a state subsidy of up to R$ 22 million to support the 1,940 flight‑hour commitment, with the winner required to begin operations within 90 days of receiving the service order.

In parallel, Azul Conecta announced a fleet modernization plan, adding Cessna SkyCourier turboprop aircraft that can carry up to 19 passengers and operate on short or unpaved runways. Two SkyCourier units are slated for delivery in the coming months, expanding the airline’s current fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft (nine‑seat). CEO Vitor Cordeiro highlighted the new model’s versatility, cost efficiency and its role in improving connectivity for smaller markets.