Significant 2019 sets stage for promising 2020

Before we dive into 2020, let’s look at some highlights and “firsts” that made 2019 an incredible year for Airbus in Latin America.

Azul received the first A330neo in the Americas in May and its first A321neo in October. You can listen to Azul CEO John Rodgerson explain how the airline integrated these different aircraft types to expand its fleet internationally in this edition’s Spotlight.

In May, Airbus was proud to open its newest offices in Buenos Aires to strengthen and reinforce our commitment to Latin America and provide closer support to our local customers.  

In June, JetSMART commited to 12 A321XLRs during Paris Air Show MOU and took delivery of its first A320neo in September.

Also in 2019, SKY selected Airbus as its flight training partner for their A320 Family fleet and ordered 10 A321XLRs.

It was also a groundbreaking year for Airbus Services in Latin America, with multiple Flight Hour Services (FHS) agreements signed with Azul and JetSMART to cover the airlines’ A320 and A330 fleets.

But it wasn’t only about selling and delivering for Airbus.

In September, Airbus collaborated with the French Crisis Support Center, to quickly respond to the devastating Amazon rainforest wildfires by supporting Bolivian relief efforts with an A330 test aircraft transporting 38 French firefighters and equipment. In cooperation with HeliAmerica, the Airbus Foundation extended 40 helicopter flight hours to assess affected areas and drop more than 500 tons of water over the fires.

The Airbus Foundation was proud to launch its signature mentoring program - the Flying Challenge - at a local Mexico City primary school, making Mexico the second country after Brazil in the region to host the STEM-focused education program. Along with our local NGO partner Fondo Unido-Mexico, more than 30 Airbus employees volunteered to mentor nearly 200 primary school students’ between the ages of six and 12.

After such a significant year for Airbus in 2019, we have never been more excited about what the future will bring.

Arturo Barreira is President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean. Having led the Latin America and Caribbean sales team for the past seven years, Barreira has driven the success of Airbus' regional commercial aviation division, playing a key role in cementing its place as the market leader in the region.

Azul receives the first Airbus A330neo in the Americas

JetSMART takes delivery of its first A320neo

Airbus Foundation launches Flying Challenge in Mexico