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Azul Faces Unprecedented Crisis With Accelerated Pilot Turnover, Impact on Schedules, Reduced Salaries, and Lack of Advancement That Fuels Growing Dissatisfaction
An internal report from Azul Airlines shows that the company is facing an accelerated departure of pilots. The document indicates that more than 14 professionals leave the company each month, establishing unprecedented numbers.
The situation occurs while the company undergoes a restructuring in the United Statesiof, within the process known as Chapter 11.
Since the end of 2023, changes to schedules and working conditions have generated dissatisfaction among pilots and cabin crew.
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Flight Schedules Are a Focus of Tension
Pilots report that changes to hours at the end of their shifts have caused significant stress.
Family and social activities suffer because the company modifies the rest schedule.
Although it is legal, the practice is criticized as inappropriate and has become common.
According to reports, only Azul adopts this type of measure so frequently, both nationally and internationally.
Salaries and Benefits on the Decline
Another central issue is compensation. Lower salaries used to be balanced by benefits, but now these extras have also been reduced.
Additionally, the company created virtual bases in smaller cities, promising a larger number of flights and proportionally higher income. In practice, pilots say that the expected earnings are not being met, leading to frustration.
Pressure on Cabin Crew
Crew members face another challenge: maintaining three valid qualifications at the same time for ATR, Embraer, and Airbus A320 models. This accumulation requires simultaneous study and renewal, overloading their learning process.
Despite this, the company has not recorded a significant turnover from this group. Even so, many professionals are already considering migrating to other sectors outside of aviation.
Reduction in Overnights and Increased Fatigue
Azul adopted a policy to reduce overnights to cut accommodation costs. This causes crew members to return home later, close to the legally required minimum rest period.
The measure saves resources but increases physical and psychological wear. Pilots report difficulty maintaining the pace of consecutive flights with so little interval.
Career Stagnation After the Pandemic
Another factor is the lack of advancement. Before the pandemic, there was greater clarity regarding internal promotions.
After 2023, Azul began hiring many external pilots for larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320.
Meanwhile, veterans flying the ATR 72 and Embraer E195 have been waiting for years for promotions.
Direct Promotions and Dissatisfaction
In an adjustment attempt, the company directly promoted some pilots to the A330, used on international routes. The decision displeased those flying the A320 who were waiting their turn in the hierarchy.
This type of movement generated a sense of injustice among crew members, further fueling dissatisfaction.
Numbers for 2024 and 2025
The report obtained by the AEROIN portal shows that in 2024, 113 pilots left the company.
Of these, 83 voluntarily resigned and the rest were dismissed by the company.
By 2025, up to the first week of September, 128 pilots left Azul. This number already surpasses that of the previous year and represents an average of 14.2 departures per month.
Among the 128, 92 were resignation requests and 36 were company layoffs.
There were 92 captains and 36 first officers.
Profile of the Dismissed
The majority of the captains had more than 10 years with the company and flew the A320 or A330. Among the first officers, nearly half had been with the company for less than two years.
The main reasons among captains were: salary (41%), career progression (24%), quality of life (19%), and schedules (13%).
For first officers, the reasons were more balanced: 28% cited quality of life, 27% salary, 22% progression, and 11% schedule.
Destination of the Pilots
The majority of professionals were absorbed by competitors. LATAM hired 45 of them, while 9 moved to executive aviation, 4 to GOL, 3 to Etihad, and 2 to Avion Express.
Another 10 did not disclose their next steps. The flow indicates that the job market still quickly absorbs these professionals.
Direct Account of a Former Pilot
One of the pilots who left shared his experience with the AEROIN portal. He said he joined through Azul Conecta and hoped to advance to the Airbus.
However, frequent cancellations and the lack of clarity regarding promotions led him to accept an offer from a competitor. According to him, Conecta operates like a “school”, with no real growth prospects.
Reasons for External Hiring
Azul justifies external hires as a way to reduce training costs. Promoting an internal pilot requires paying for two licensing courses, while bringing someone from outside only requires covering a new license.
As a result, the company spends less but creates internal friction between veterans and newcomers.
Dismissal Rate Is Concerning
In 2025, Azul’s overall dismissal rate is at 6.4%. For pilots, the rate is 5.2%, surpassing the record set in 2023 and reversing the decline seen in 2024.
The trend indicates ongoing wear and threatens the stability of operations.
Voice of HR
An HR department employee stated that he tried to alert management about the problem. He compared the relationship between pilots and the company to a romance that loses trust along the way.
According to him, the lack of clarity in promotions and the division between groups creates a climate of discontent. The result is understaffed schedules and a need to reassign flights.
Challenges Facing Azul Ahead
The report concludes that the biggest issues are at both ends: retaining new first officers and keeping veteran captains. So far, no effective measures have been taken to address the situation.
Azul estimates it may lose another 36 pilots by December, totaling 164 dismissals in 2025.
The crisis is not worse because the Chapter 11 restructuring provides for the return of aircraft and cut routes, reducing the immediate need for crew members.
The information in the article is from the AEROIN Portal.
E somente a ponta do iceberg 🧊 ainda vem muita coisa aguarde.. o melhor emprego de sua vida😂