Welcome to my part 2 of my Azul's ERJ-195 E2 Joyride!
My ride: PS-ADJ
Introduction
Some of you must be wondering why am I only doing a short layover and instead take a day or two exploring this city. The truth is after close to a month in South America, by this time, I had explored enough places and for the last few days of the trip, I would like to just enjoy some joyrides and explore the airports. I would certainly come back and check out other cities. At least for this time, I can just focus on my hobby, that is doing the joyride flights and checking out the airport.
When I was looking at the flights with Azul, I was looking at the short routes and this city came into my mind as the airfare was cheaper than the others and also I wanted to fly on this aircraft type once again. What is important is that I was able to catch an evening flight back to GRU and arrived not so late as I can reached the hotel early and get myself well rested for the following day's flight to Buenos Aires, my last stop of this trip.
So without further ado, let's begin this part 2 of my Azul's Flying Adventures!
About Belo Horizonte Airport
Confins-Rancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) is the primary airport located in Minas Gerais, about 40 km away from Belo Horizonte city centre. It is named after the former President of Brazil, Mr Tancredo de Almeida Neves from September 1986 onwards. This airport is currently a hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines and is a focus city for GOL and LATAM Airlines. BH Airport is currently the operator of this airport and this airport consists of 2 terminals with domestic and international flights in operation. The airport traffic is managed by a single runway is 16/34 which has a length of 3,600 meters.
The map of Belo Horizonte Airport
The seat map of the return flight
The website interface was simple but I managed to check in and get my seat changed without a charge.
I didn't expect later on board the aircraft to encounter such an ugly character sitting the seat in front of me (seat 29D) and to make things worse, she was working for an airline which I decide not to mention.
My short layover at the airport
After my arrival from my previous flight, I went to check out the landside of the terminal. Both Terminal 1 and 2 are connected to one another, so you are able to walk from one end to the other.
This is the arrival hall
The interior reminds me of the 1990s era.
This way to cross the road to the allocated area for Uber and other private airport transfer companies.
The airport exterior
Only 3 airlines operating on domestic routes: Azul, GOL and LATAM.
There are a lot of shops and restaurants around and airport WiFi is available.
One of the cafes at this airport.
I used to hang out at Starbucks quite often for my beverages but due to the increased in price and the lack of creativitiy in their beverages, I have move on to others.
I decided to try out the Brazilian Starbucks and the quality of the beverage is no different from the one back home.
There is an observation deck at this airport on the second level, do check it out if you are over here.
The outside view of the airport
This is where you can hire a driver to get to your destination, I still recommend Uber.
A police car on display
It was a nice but warm day at Belo Horizonte.
This is how the outside view of the airport looks like, with cars allowed to park outside of it.
Pick up and alighting points for commuters.
I decided to have Pizza set meal at Pizza hut.
This is pepperoni which comes with some fish fillings in the pastry.
Another cafe nearby, you are certainly spoilt for choices at this airport.
Once I was ready to head over to the airside, I went to collect my boarding pass this self check-in kiosk.
This time, I had no issue obtaining the boarding pass.
Here is my boarding pass
This is the Azul's check-in desk area.
But before I checked in, I spent a bit of time at Starbucks after exploring a bit.
This was my beverage - I can't remember what I had.
I took a look at my remaining flight itineraries on Flighty app.
Later after receiving my boarding pass, I went up to the second level.
This interior reminds me of an old office building in Singapore.
LATAM's check-in counters are located over here.
So when you are travelling out from this airport, do check the signboard so that you know where to go.
Check-in area
I decided to check out the other parts of the second level.
This is a duty-free shop.
Outdoor area for anyone wishes to take a puff.
I love Minas Gerais!
There is a restaurant which was under construction.
Airport Lounge
I spotted the aircraft that flew me here and it is being prepared to fly back to Sao Paulo.
Azul's ATR-42 aircraft
This is the observation deck.
After I was done, I went over to the airside via security.
Security check took about 10 minutes and one I was cleared, the duty free shop greeted me.
As usual we had to walk past this duty free shop to get to the boarding gate area.
Here it is, this is the domestic airside.
There are also plenty of shops and cafes to check out.
For my flight, we were assigned to a terminal gate.
Another airport lounge
This is the Ambaar lounge and Priority Pass Lounge members can access.
I did a check on my aircraft and the hnour goes to PS-ADJ, one of the newest aircraft at this point of time.
She is arriving in from Nanvegantes.
The assigned gate for my flight.
Boarding was according to zone number.
This is my ride, PS-ADJ!
Time to board!
This is the standard livery.
Azul Wifi is available for free for Azul members.
My ride: PS-ADJ
Flight Route: CNF-GRU
Miles: 307
Average Flight Time: 55 minutes
Airlines Flying On This Route: Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM and GOL Airlines
My seat: 30D (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 23th November 2025
Airline: Azul Brazilian Airlines
Flight: AD2724
Route: CNF-GRU
Aircraft: ERJ-195-E2
Registration: PS-ADJ
Seat: 30D
Gate: 4
Load: 100%
Flight Time: 50 minutes (On Average)
Actual Flight Time: 54 minutes
Schedule Departure: 1725
Boarding: 1640
Push Back: 1713
Take Off: 1722
Schedule Arrival: 1845
Actual Arrival: 1815
Departure Runway (CNF): 16
Departure Weather: Clear
Arrival Runway (GRU): 28L
Arrival Weather: Clear
What happened?
It started when I was queueing up during the boarding process and and this lady out of nowhere came and stand besides me and mind you, no one else was in front or behind her. Her colleagues were calling her but I wasn't sure whether she responded. All I was thinking is why was she standing beside me? Politely, I asked her whether was she a cabin crew (I should have specified off-duty cabin crew) and she told me she wasn't in a snobbish and arrogant tone. Since I was in the good mood, I didn't bother telling her off and seeing that she was wearing an airline's uniform, I let her cut the queue and board the aircraft first in first. I have nothing but high respects for all cabin and flight crew.
Once I was near my seat, I was dismayed to see her sitting in front of me but I didn't expect anything more from her, maybe she was having a bad day I thought. After the smooth take off, I was enjoying the view and out of the sudden, the seat in front of me reclined with quite a force that it almost hit my face. I was learning forward due to the poor position of the window as it was not aligned to my seat.
For the cabin service, it was similar to my previous flight and they offered the same snacks I received on my previous flight together with a choice of beverage. Before we started our landing, I was looking out of the window to enjoy the sunset view and suddenly she closed the window shade, usually if I want to adjust the window shade, I would close the one that is nearer to me, and leave the window closer to the passenger in front or behind me to them, that is courtesy. Whatever it is, I had to deal with no window view situation until the announcement was made for landing, it was only then she pushed up the window halfway and I did the rest. I continued to snap more photos of the landing and thankfully I got myself some nice shots.
I don't care if this was a normal passenger and one from a particular country, I am kind of used to that sort of people back home but for an off-duty airline staff to behave this way is totally unacceptable. Whether you are having a bad day or not, there is no way you should behave in such a manner. Thankfully, I didn't see her again at the airport on the following day I departed for Buenos Aires.
Excluding her existence, the flight was a relatively smooth affair with the presence of the friendly cabin crew makes this flight even better. What a pity that that I had to encounter such a 'lovely' lady. Of course after the flight landed and we had 2 ways to exit the aircraft (front or rear), I ignored her presence and walk out of the aircraft through the rear. Usually I would let the others get off first but because I didn't want to see or feel her presence, I went off as soon as my seat mate got out.
My advise to you is if a passenger near you is causing trouble (worse than my experience), what I would suggest you to do is avoid confrontation and try to get out of your seat and go to either the front or rear cabin (depending on where you seat) and let the cabin crew know. Leave it to them to take care of such (fill in the blank) passengers.
Welcome on board PS-ADJ!
This is Espaco Azul (Premium Economy) cabin!
These seats offer better legroom space and a different seat cover compared to the standard seat in the economy class cabin.
You can check out my trip report on this class cabin over here.
This is the standard seat
These seats are newer than the airline's ERJ-195 E1 fleet.
Do check out the window and seat alignment on the seat map to avoid disappointment. This window seat below is ok.
I am glad that Embraer refreshed its cabin interior for this aircraft model.
The 2-seater layout is quite popular among passengers.
This is my seat 30D and you can see the window closer to my seat (without recline) is the one in front.
Which other airline offers iFE screen on the regional jet?
So a question to all of you: Who gets to adjust this window shade? If I was sitting on 29F and like to have this wondow shade closed, I would politely ask the passenger behind me first before taking action. This is basic courtesy in my opinion.
The window behind me is not accessible unless I recline my seat.
Legroom space is quite tight for me.
Unfortunately the seat besides me was taken not long after this photo was taken.
The foldable traytable
Partially fold
View from my seat including the 'lovely' passenger in front of me.
I didn't let the negativitiy get into me as I still managed to enjoy my flight.
Inflight snacks and beverages
A packet of gummy bears, cookies and a cup of water was given by the crew.
Cheers to all the readers out there!
We were on final approach onto GRU's runway 28L.
Inflight Entertainment System
This system consists of 3 languages: English, Brazilian-Portugese and Spanish.
Sign language is also available during the safety demonstration video.
The inflight map
Getting close to reaching our destination.
Our flight route: CNF-GRU
Window View Photos
It was a beautiful day at CNF airport.
I hope to fly on the airline's ERJ-195 E1 next time!
Goodbye CNF Airport! Thanks for the memories.
Azul Brazilian Airlines is the dominant airline at this airport.
TAP Air Portugal flies the Airbus A330neo to this airport from Lisbon.
There is a GOL's Boeing 737 parked from a distance.
Hardly any clouds at Belo Horizonte.
We were reaching at threshold.
The difference between the E1 and E2 version of the ERJ-190/195 is the lack of winglets on the newer varient.
As there was hardly any traffic, we taxied straight onto the runway without stopping.
Off we go!
Unfortunately the sun has caused quite a bit of reflection so don't mind the poor quality photos.
Flying over the town area.
We made a right turn towards our assigned heading towards our destination.
What a view we had and I could count myself lucky that at this point, that seatmate in front of me didn't close the window shade.
Beautiful view, isn't it?
With her seat upright, the sunlight shouldn't be a bother to her. However, just a few moments later, she reclined her seat quite hard and almost hit my face.
I was still able to photograph.
The flight was mostly smooth with just a few bumps along the way.
Not long later, the window shade was shut and once it was opened, I continue to snap photos.
At this point, we started our descent and we were told to prepare for arrival.
The weather at Sao Paulo was better unlike my previous flight with Sky Airlines (SCL-GRU flight).
The sun was setting and this is my favourite time of flying in good weather especially.
We were on final approach into runway 28L.
The sight of the city appeared
This is Sao Paulo!
This would be my first time arriving on runway 28L, my previous arrivals were on runway 10L and 10R.
I caught this special livery of LATAM's Boeing 787-8 about to take off on runway 28R.
The LATAM's 787-8 would take off once our aircraft lands onto the runway.
And that would take a few more seconds.
Finally, we touched down smoothly onto the runway.
I am glad I was seated on the right side as I get a good view of all the 3 terminals during our taxi.
That's an Iberia A350-900 heading to runway 10R for departure to Madrid.
This is the taxiway across both runways.
A crack on the ground!
Once the LATAM 787-8 was cleared off the runway, we taxi across runway 28R towards our assigned parking lot at terminal 1.
The ride towards terminal 1 didn't take long.
A fleet of LATAM's A321.
It was certainly a beautiful day at GRU.
At this airport, LATAM dominates both the domestic and international flights in terminal 2 and 3.
At this time, there was quite a number of departures and arrivals.
GOL Airlines, until next time and hopefully I get to fly on one of your aircraft featuring one of the special liveries.
GOL's standard livery
This is one of GOL's special liveries.
Almost there!
We reached our parking lot at Terminal 1.
With that, my flight journey has come to an end. When I return next time to Brazil, I will cover other aircraft types of this airline.
My flight summary
Another early departure and arrival
Welcome back to Sao Paulo!
This is what I like about this terminal. In good weather like this, we get to deboard the aircraft through the staircase to enjoy tarmac views like this.
This is the standard Azul's livery.
Personally I like this livery, simple but elegant.
Even at the airport at my home country, Singapore, I don't get this close up with the aircraft.
Thanks for the comfortable ride, PS-ADJ!
We followed the direction from the ground staff towards the terminal.
This building certainly could do with some much needed paint!
The cargo terminal is next to terminal 1.
One last look at our aircraft.
The luggage carousel
This is the landside
Walking towards the entrance of the terminal 1 to catch the shuttle bus.
One last look at the terminal 1's landside.
This is the bus stop for the shuttle bus.
The bus ride took about 20 minutes as it went to the other terminals before finally terminating at the bus terminal besides the train station.
This is the airport shuttle bus.
This is the train system, I have taken the train from this station to my accommodation in town on my last trip in 2023.
From the roadside facing the train station, I walked over to my hotel.
Do be careful with your cell phones especially with motorbikes riding near you.
The walk from the train station to the hotel took around 15 minutes.
That's all for this trip report.
Hope you enjoy both Part 1 and 2 of my Azul Brazilian Airlines Flying Adventures!
My ratings
Airline's website: 3/5
CNF Terminal Experience: 3/5
In-Flight Service: 4/5
In-Flight Experience: 3/5 (Thanks to the unpleasant (fill in the blank) sitting in front of me)
Cleanliness of the cabin: 5/5
In-Flight Entertainment (PTV): 4/5
Seat comfort: 5/5
In-Flight Snack: 5/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Cabin interior: 5/5
Overall rating: 42/50
Percentage: 84%
Conclusion
Although my patience was tested, I had no intention to tell her off, as it was a bit silly of me to getting myself into a situation that may lead me into trouble especially in a non English speaking country. I wondered whether this crew's colleagues were happy to be in a distance away from her as I didn't see any of them sitting near her during the flight. During the queue line up before boarding, her colleagues were queueing up except her - it's was such a strange situation. After thinking about it, I won't be surprised if she is a pain in the neck to work with. I know most of the airline staff do not behave this way and I am fortunate to have encountered some of the kindest human beings in this field. Whatever it is, to those potential airport and airline staff (young graduates out of school), please don't behave like this woman, be kind and considerate to others.
Anyway, apart from the incident, the flight was pleasant with good weather making it even better. My Azul's flight experience so far has been pleasant the inflight offering is pretty much similar to Jetblue's and it is not a surprise since the founder of the airline used to manage the U.S carrier. Now that Azul has been restructuring through Chapter 11, the latest report of the airline is that it looks like it will be able to exit the Chapter 11 soon with a smaller fleet and focus on profitable routes to both the U.S and regional routes around South America.
I certainly recommend this airline to fly with in Brazil, charging reasonable prices and offer good amenities on board the aircraft such as the IFE screen, Wifi and complimentary beverage and snack offered, what more can you ask for? I consider this more of a hybrid airline which a number of airlines in the world have abandoned this strategy to focus on being a full low cost carrier. Example: Malindo now known as Batik Air Malaysia.
Hope you enjoy this trip report and have a good one!
Charles Ryan
For the part 1 of this trip report (GRU-CNF), click here
Next trip report: Flying With Air Canada Without Flying To Canada!
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