Azul Cargo Express ⁠— the cargo arm of Brazil's largest airline — has launched an Embraer E195 passenger to freighter conversion, developed in partnership with LHColus Tecnologia, which it said is the world's first Class-F freighter.

In a statement, it said the aircraft features 15 tonnes of payload capacity and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 7900 tonnes p/a compared to previous models.

Azul said the addition of this converted E195 fleet to Azul Cargo's operation will make its operation more flexible and cost effective.

"Benefitting from the low trip-cost of the E-195, combined with 15 metric tons of payload capability the E195 Class F is the perfect aircraft to help Azul Cargo transform logistics in Brazil," Azul Cargo said.

Net-zero CO2 emissions goal by 2045

Azul noted that the conversion is also aligned to Azul's ESG strategy and with the commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045, as each E1 freighter reduces carbon emissions by 7,900 tons per year and has up to three times more the capacity compared to the previous versions of the E1 aircraft.

"Azul has helped to double the Brazilian aviation market over the last thirteen years. A key part of that growth was the E195. Today with the launch of the E195 Class F freighter we again aim to transform the Brazilian market, this time in logistics," said Abhi Shah, Azul's chief revenue officer. 

"With unmatched operational flexibility, reliability, access to varied airport infrastructure, the E195 Class F is the perfect platform to deliver a competitive advantage to our logistics customers. With this aircraft we can truly transform and grow logistics in Brazil," he added.

"Class F" category means that the aircraft is certified to transport cargo in the cabin, in heat and fire-resistant containers, with an innovative thermal camera fire detection system.

Azul said the prototype aircraft (PR-AXW) performed 12 proof of concept tests, eight ground smoke barrier tests and one certification flight with inspectors from Brazil ANAC.