Azul Linhas Aéreas continues with its fleet renewal plan, and has now returned another first-generation Embraer 195. The aircraft in question is the registration PR-AYU, the same one that until some time ago bore the painting of the helmet of the Brazilian pilot Ayrton Senna.

The Embraer 195 registration PR-AYU was received by Azul originally in June 2011 under the baptismal name of 'Florescer Azul'. In 2014, when the 20th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's death was completed, the company made a painting in honor of the Brazilian and Formula 1 idol.

PR-AYU then received the baptismal name of #Sennasempre and a painting of the helmet of the idol of world motorsport Ayrton Senna. The painting was conceived by Gianfranco Beting At the time he was Marketing Director for Azul, 'Panda' is also the creator of several special paintings for the company.

In 2019, the jet was returned to the lessor because Azul had not renewed the contract to maintain the aircraft's operation. But in 2021, the Embraer 195, still with Senna's helmet paint, would return to Brazil to operate for the company.

With the recent conversion of Embraer jets to freighters, there was an expectation that the aircraft could be used to transport cargo, however it returned to flying with passengers in early 2022 and without the painting in honor of Ayrton Senna.

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Now with the recent E2 generation aircraft being delivered, Azul has continued the process of renewing its fleet with newer and more efficient aircraft. The PR-AYU was once again returned, starting its Azul return flight on the 3rd of May.

It is possible that the jet will be among the twelve E195s that should leave the fleet by the end of 2023, Azul announced the withdrawal of these aircraft in September last year, aiming to receive more E2 jets.