SAO PAULO — Avianca Brasil has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Brazil’s fourth-largest carrier cites soaring fuel costs, currency fluctuations and Brazil’s sluggish economy for its financial troubles.

Compounding its problems, reports indicate that three of the carrier’s lessors sued the airline for almost a third of its Airbus fleet.

The Star Alliance carrier has been a scheduled airline since 2002.

Although the carrier is seeking bankruptcy protection it says flights will continue.

The airline’s debts total some US$127 million, according to reports.