Azul announces capacity cut and suspension of international flights

São Paulo – Azul announced on Monday a series of measures in response to the evolution of the new coronavirus in Brazil, including the reduction of its consolidated capacity from 20% to 25% in March, and between 35% and 50% in April and the following months , until the situation normalizes. The airline also announced that, from March 16, all international flights, except those departing from Campinas (SP), will be suspended. "While our top priority remains the health and safety of our crew and customers, we remain focused on adjusting capacity according to the variation in demand and preserving our cash position during this challenging period," said John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul. The company also said that it is implementing measures to reduce the fixed cost of its operations, which represents around 40% of the company's total operating costs and expenses, including postponing the payment related to profit sharing and 2019 results. Azul also announced an unpaid leave program with 600 applications approved so far, in addition to a salary reduction of 25% of executive committee members until the normalization of the situation, suspension of new hires and travel to work and expenses Discretionary. He also decided on the parking of aircraft and suspension of deliveries of new aircraft.