Azul has appointed John S. Slattery to its strategy committee, the company said today (February 23).
The appointment was effective on the same day as the airline's exit from Chapter 11 restructuring on Friday (February 20).
Slattery most recently served as president and CEO of GE Aviation from September 2020 to June 2022. Prior to this, he was president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation from January 2016 to September 2020.
He currently serves as a director of BETA Technologies, which he has held since October 2025 and as chairman of Italian aerospace supplier Forgital Group since July 2025.
Azul said Slattery joins the airline “at a pivotal moment” as it finalises its emergence from its Chapter 11 process.
“John is joining the company at a key time and his expertise in business leadership, corporate governance, risk management, regulatory affairs and globally competitive industries will be invaluable in supporting Azul as the company emerges from the Chapter process 11 and positions itself for disciplined and sustainable growth,” said Azul CEO John Rodgerson.
“I look forward to working together with the Board, the management team and the other members of the strategy committee to help advance Azul's strategic priorities as it builds on the transformational measures delivered during its Chapter 11 process and as it continues to execute its long-term strategy,” said Slattery.
The airline announced on Friday last week it has exited its Chapter 11 proceedings, following a nine-month restructuring process.
The carrier raised $850 million in new equity. This included $100 million from its codeshare and loyalty partner United Airlines. American Airline has also agreed to invest $100 million into the airline, pending approval.
The court had previously approved the Brazilian airline's restructuring plan in December 2025.
The airline cut around $2.5bn in debt and lease obligations, including $1.1bn reduction in loans and financing and a nearly 40% reduction in aircraft lease debt.
Annual interest expenses are expected to fall by more than 50%, with pro forma net leverage projected at below 2.5x.
Azul implemented the restructuring through agreements with its main creditors. This included holders of its debt securities issued in the market, its largest aircraft lessor AerCap, as well as strategic investors United Airlines and American Airlines.
The airline raised new capital through senior notes issuance and equity commitments totalling over $2.3bn.
Following its exit, Azul said it will focus on disciplined growth, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation for both customers and investors.