HNA Group Company Limited and Azul Brazilian Airlines ("Azul") today announced a new strategic partnership. HNA Group will make a US$450 million strategic investment for 23.7% stake in Azul, Brazil's third largest airline, aiming to benefit from substantial passenger traffic between China and Brazil, which are strong global trade partners. HNA Group will assume the role of single largest shareholder of Azul, and will appoint new members to the board of directors.

Through the partnership, the companies will cooperate in the development of code sharing, new route development, and expand the loyalty participation programs.

This global partnership joins together two of the largest players in two of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. Azul is the largest airline in Brazil by number of cities served, offering more than 900 daily flights to more than 100 destinations. With a fleet of 145 aircraft Azul operates approximately one-third of the daily departures of the Brazilian aviation market. HNA Group owns the fourth largest airline group in terms of fleet size in the People's Republic of China, which operates a fleet of 561 aircrafts. It operates scheduled domestic and international service on more than 630 routes from locations throughout the People's Republic of China and internationally.

Bravia Capital, a leading global transportation and infrastructure investment and advisory firm, and UBS Investment Bank served as financial advisor to HNA Group. Seabury Securities LLC, Seabury Group's investment banking unit, served as financial advisor to Azul.

"HNA Group is committed to expanding in the airline industry through strategic investments in companies with strong market positions and excellent management teams. We are pleased to partner with Azul in order to bring more choice and convenience to our customers traveling to and from Brazil. We eagerly look forward to working with Azul founder David Neeleman and his team for the mutual benefit of both airlines," said Adam Tan, President of HNA Group.

David Neeleman, CEO of Azul, said "HNA Group sees in Azul a solid investment with high growth potential. The US$450 million investment, considering Brazil's current macroeconomic situation, demonstrates that we have a winning business model and that the HNA Group, as a large investor, has absolute confidence in Azul's team. Moreover, this investment makes Azul the airline with the highest valuation in the Brazilian market, at more than 7.0 billion reais."

Bharat Bhise, CEO of Bravia Capital, said "China and Brazil are important trading partners, and Azul and HNA Group each have very strong positions as passenger carriers in their respective markets. Bravia is pleased to bring to HNA Group an opportunity for strategic expansion into the largest economy in Latin America."

Contributed by HNA Group