Former JetBlue chief executive David Neeleman is talking with Brazilian civil aviation authorities and carriers with an eye to creating a Brazilian carrier.
Brazilian sources say Neeleman aims to set up a new carrier following the low-cost low-fare JetBlue formula. It will likely operate 100-seat Embraer 190s and compete directly with Gol and TAM. Neeleman is still chairman of JetBlue but the US carrier says it is not involved in Neeleman's possible new venture.
Neeleman has been examining Brazil's local transport market since last September. Sources say he looked at but ruled out tie-ups with BRA and Vasp. Other options possibly still on the table could be tie-ups with regional airlines Total and Trip.
Source: Airline Business
