GOL and Air France-KLM sign agreement to extend and enhance their commercial partnership

Air France-KLM and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes have signed an agreement to extend and enhance their commercial partnership for the next 10 years. Under the terms of this agreement, both parties will grant each other exclusivity on routes between Europe and Brazil and enhance their commercial cooperation. This will result in better connectivity, improved customer experience and more benefits for their respective customers.

Initially introduced in 2014 for a period of 5 years, the commercial partnership between Air France-KLM and GOL had already been renewed in 2019. It covers over 99% of the demand between Brazil and Europe and today one out of every five passengers traveling to Brazil with Air France and KLM connects to a GOL flight. In total, over two million passengers have benefited from the partnership since its introduction.

As part of this renewed partnership, Air France, KLM and GOL will continue investing to further improve their customers' experience and create an even more seamless product. Customers will benefit from an optimized network between Europe and Brazil, spanning over 80 European destinations, 45 destinations in Brazil, and in the future, new destinations across Latin America. The agreement additionally includes expanded code-sharing, enhanced joint sales activities, and more benefits for customers via Air France-KLM's Flying Blue and GOL's SMILES frequent flyer programs.

The enhanced collaboration includes an ambitious expansion of the existing maintenance support by Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFIKLME&M) to GOL's CFM56 and LEAP engines.

Benjamin Smith, CEO Air France KLM, stated: "South America, and particularly Brazil, is one of the most strategic markets for Air France-KLM. The historical partnership between Air France-KLM and GOL has been instrumental in allowing us to provide our customers with a comprehensive and broad value proposition in the region. Building on what we've already achieved, we are very pleased to extend and deepen this exclusive partnership for 10 more years. This new agreement will allow us to implement the necessary structural enhancements to ensure Air France-KLM and GOL's leadership position between Brazil and Europe."

Celso Ferrer, GOL CEO: "Our partnership with Air France-KLM has provided countless enhancements and benefits for all of our customers and is based on reciprocal trust and admiration of both companies. We are proud to celebrate another decade of partnership, and I believe it crowns a long and successful history by including key elements such as the credit line for engine overhauls. I reinforce that GOL is deeply committed to support and help to strengthen the Brazil-Europe corridor, and we have no doubt Air France-KLM is the best partner to achieve that."

Optimized connections beyond Air France-KLM and GOL's respective hubs in Europe and Brazil

Air France and KLM passengers can connect on GOL flights beyond São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and Fortaleza (FOR). GOL passengers also have access to Air France and KLM's worldwide networks beyond their Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Schiphol airport hubs.

During the winter 23 season, Air France operates 24 weekly flights to Brazil (14 x São Paulo, 7 x Rio de Janeiro and 3 x Fortaleza) while KLM operates 14 weekly flights to Brazil (7 x São Paulo, 7 x Rio de Janeiro).

AerCap signs lease deal for 6 Boeing 737 - 800 converted cargo planes for GOL

AerCap Holdings confirmed today a lease deal has been arranged for six 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter aircraft to be delivered to GOL in 2022 and 23 on a long-term lease basis.

The six 737-800BCF, passenger-to-freighter aircraft, will be operated for a Latin-American e-commerce company, as part of the growth strategy and logistics solution of GOLLOG, GOL´s Logistics Business Unit, and will be based in Brazil, flying to destinations across South America.  

Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap, said, "We are very pleased to announce our agreement to lease six 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters to our longstanding customer GOL.  These 737-800BCF's will be a versatile addition to GOL's fleet, allowing them to respond to the increased demand from e-commerce retail businesses in South America.  We are delighted to expand our relationship with GOL and wish them every success with these aircraft in the years to come."

AerCap Cargo has more than 25 years' experience in freighter leasing, including Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions, with more than 100 successful conversions.

Major new partnership formed to ramp up the introduction of EVTOL operations in Brazil

A major new partnership of global leaders in aviation and airports announces its intention to explore the infrastructure requirements to bring eVTOL passenger flights to Brazil within this decade. The partnership includes:

 

Avolon, the world’s second largest aircraft leasing company;

Corporación América Airports, the largest global private sector airport operator by number of airports;

GOL, Brazil’s largest airline;

Grupo Comporte, a leading Brazilian transport operator; and

Vertical Aerospace, the aerospace and technology company developing and manufacturing eVTOL aircraft.

The partnership will explore and define vertiport design and locations, as well as further infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations in Brazil. With its well-developed Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market based on helicopter services, advanced aviation ecosystem and unique demographics, Brazil is set to become one of the pioneering markets for eVTOL services, including for Vertical’s VX4.

 

Each partner brings sector-specific and complementary expertise to bring eVTOL operations into operation in Brazil this decade. In particular, the partnership will benefit from Corporación América Airports’ special team dedicated to the research and development of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) segment and its two-decade-long expertise in airports design, construction and operation, as well as passenger traffic management. Corporación América Airports has already developed its own conceptual vertiport design and progressed AAM traffic analysis across several countries.

 

With some of the most congested cities in the world, the introduction of eVTOLs, such as the VX4, will transform how people move around and above the urban landscape, in Brazil. The VX4 will permit short-haul zero-emissions journeys that will revolutionise city air travel for Brazilians’ everyday lives by changing how we connect, commute and travel more efficiently, all in a more sustainable way.

 

This partnership builds on GOL’s and Grupo Comporte’s commitment to purchase or lease up to 250 of Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon, announced last year. That commitment saw Avolon launch and lead a Working Group aiming at commercialising eVTOL aircraft in Brazil with Vertical Aerospace, Grupo Comporte and GOL. The Working Group has already conducted project familiarisation workshops with the Brazilian civil aviation authority Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) to permit the swift validation of the piloted, zero operating emissions and four-passenger VX4 aircraft. The VX4 is projected to have speeds of up to 200 mph, a range of over 100 miles, be near silent when in flight and offer a low cost per passenger mile. 

 

Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon commented: “The scale of our ambition for eVTOLs is reflected in our partnerships with some of the leading transportation and airport operators in Latin America. We are partnered with companies that share our ambition to materially reshape the commercial aviation market. Our objective is to deliver the infrastructure requirements to bring zero-emissions travel to Brazil mid this decade and revolutionise air travel in the region.”

 

Martin Eurnekian, CEO of Corporación América Airports, commented: “A new mobility ecosystem is arising and Corporación América Airports as a world leader in airport operations wants to be an agent of change in supporting the AAM implementation in those regions where we operate. With our expertise as airport operators in six countries in three continents along more than 20 years, we are committed to contributing with the development of the AAM ecosystem, in order to better connect people, goods and cultures and promoting a leaner, faster and more sustainable air transport.”

 

Paulo Kakinoff, CEO of GOL commented: "GOL completely bets on the expertise of CAAP in Advanced Aerial Mobility. Within reach, we have at hand a unique opportunity to unite the efforts of all parties involved to create a sustainable and safe operating ecosystem for eVTOL, with zero carbon emissions, both in Brazil and beyond. Constantly expanding in the regional segment, GOL is committed to including new and providential connectivity alternatives with this new air modal, based on its already extensive air network."

 

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical commented: “I’m delighted that Vertical is partnering with Avolon, GOL, Grupo Comporte and CAAP to deliver critical eVTOL infrastructure in Brazil. It was in Brazil that I had the inspiration to begin Vertical Aerospace so it is incredible to see it becoming a reality there”.

 

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American Airlines and GOL Loyalty Members Now Enjoy a More Seamless Experience With Enhanced Benefits on Both Airlines

American Airlines and GOL have taken the next step in their partnership to ensure their most loyal members enjoy a seamless experience with increased reciprocal benefits when travelling on the broadest and most rewarding network in the Americas.

AAdvantage® status members and their companions flying on GOL-operated flights now receive complimentary GOL+ Conforto seats, based on availability, as well as priority check-in, priority boarding and complimentary seat selection. SMILES Diamond members now have access to complimentary Main Cabin Extra and Preferred seats as well as priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding and priority baggage when flying on American-operated flights.

AAdvantage® status members and their companions receive access to complimentary GOL+ Conforto seats, plus priority check-in, priority boarding and complimentary seat selection when flying on GOL-operated flights.

SMILES Diamond members and their companions receive access to complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats and Preferred seats, plus priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding and priority baggage when flying on American-operated flights.

“Our partnership with GOL is a win-win for our customers at both airlines as travel demand to and from South America continues to increase,” said Julie Rath, American’s Vice President of Customer Experience, Loyalty and Marketing. “Adding reciprocal benefits reinforces our commitment to creating customer value for our status members and expanding our AAdvantage program.”

American and GOL offer customers access to more than 30 destinations in the United States served by American and more than 30 destinations in South America served by GOL. Later this year, status members will have access to additional benefits that include complimentary bag allowance and more ways to redeem miles across both airlines.

“This is a step that strengthens our partnership with American Airlines,” said Randall Saenz Aguero, Director of Alliances and Distribution at GOL. “We already have reciprocal connectivity in the hubs operated by the two companies, ensuring the best combination of frequencies and products between Brazil and the United States. Now, the partnership of American and GOL provides a wide range of benefits to customers of both airlines.”

The introduction of reciprocal customer benefits comes a month after the airlines signed a definitive investment agreement with American investing $200 million in 22.2 million newly issued preferred shares of GOL.

 

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Abra will control Avianca and GOL and bring together their iconic brands under a single group

 The principal shareholders of Colombia's Avianca and the controlling shareholder of Brazil's GOL have signed a landmark agreement to create a leading air transportation group across Latin America under a holding company structure named Abra Group Limited. Subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, the Abra Group will control Avianca and GOL and bring together their iconic brands under a single holding.

Through recent investments made by Avianca's and Viva's shareholders, the Group will also own a non-controlling 100% economic interest in Viva's operations in Colombia and Peru as well as convertible debt representing a minority interest investment in Chile's Sky Airline.

Together, Avianca and GOL will anchor a pan-Latin American network of airlines that will have the lowest unit cost in their respective markets, the leading loyalty programs across the region, and other synergistic businesses. Avianca and GOL will continue to maintain independent brands, talent, teams, and culture while benefiting from greater efficiencies and investments under common aligned ownership.

Abra will provide a platform for the operating airlines to further reduce costs, achieve greater economies of scale, continue to operate a state-of-the-art fleet of aircraft, and expand their routes, services, product offerings, and loyalty programs.

In the aggregate, the airlines under the Abra Group ownership will offer customers the largest network of complementary routes, with minimal overlap, across their markets.

Turkish Airlines and GOL sign new codeshare deal

Turkish Airlines and GOL sign new codeshare deal

GOL Linhas Aéreas and Turkish Airlines have confirmed a new codeshare deal and frequent flyer programme agreement has been reached that will greatly increase options for passengers on each other's airlines.

The codeshare deal allows Turkish Airlines passengers to connect to the entire GOL-operated network within Brazil – that’s some 60 destinations from its São Paulo hub as well as to Asuncion, Santiago in Chile, Montevideo and Lima.

Currently, Turkish Airlines have up to 7 flights a week between Istanbul and São Paulo mostly using their A350 aircraft.

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American Airlines and GOL Complete Agreement to Form Exclusive Partnership

American Airlines announced it has signed a definitive investment agreement with GOL, Brazil’s largest airline, deepening the relationship between the two carriers to create the broadest and most rewarding network in the Americas. The combined networks will provide customers with more than 30 destinations in the U.S. served by American and more than 34 new destinations in South America served by GOL.

American has served Latin America since 1942 and offers service to 17 destinations in South America, including Sao Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG) in Brazil, from its U.S. hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK). American has flown more than 14 million customers between the U.S. and Brazil in the last 10 years — more than twice as many as any other U.S. carrier. GOL serves 63 destinations in Brazil and is the country’s largest airline.

As part of the investment agreement previously announced last year, American will invest $200 million in 22.2 million newly issued preferred shares of GOL in a capital increase, for a 5.2% participation in the company’s economic interest. The execution of the other agreements described in this press release, and the closing of the equity investment, are subject to certain conditions, including government and regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Carriers execute investment agreement previously announced in September 2021 to deepen commercial partnership and create the broadest and most rewarding network in the Americas.

Coming soon, American’s AAdvantage® and GOL’s SMILES loyalty programs will create the largest joint frequent flyer program in the Americas with enhanced benefits for customers.

As part of the agreement, American will make a $200 million equity investment in GOL.

The largest network in the Americas will also be the most rewarding for travelers. In 2022, GOL’s SMILES and American’s AAdvantage® loyalty members will gain access to their status benefits on both airlines, such as priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding, a larger checked baggage allowance, lounge access and preferred seats. The two airlines also expect to offer an enhanced joint loyalty offering to give customers more ways to earn and redeem miles.

GOL is Brazil's largest airline, leader in the corporate and leisure segments. Since its founding in 2001, it has been the airline with the lowest unit cost in Latin America, which has enabled the democratization of air transportation. The Company has partnerships with American Airlines and Air France-KLM, in addition to making available to Customers many codeshare and interline agreements, bringing more convenience and ease of connections to any place served by these partnerships. With the purpose of "Being First for Everyone", GOL offers the best travel experience to its passengers, including: the largest inventory of seats and the most legroom; the most complete platform with internet, movies and live TV; and the best loyalty program, SMILES. In cargo transportation, GOLLOG delivers parcels to various regions in Brazil and abroad. The Company has a team of 15,000 highly qualified airline professionals focused on Safety, GOL's number one value, and operates a standardized fleet of 127 Boeing 737 aircraft.

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CDB Aviation Completes Deliveries of Seven 737 MAX Aircraft to Brazil’s GOL

CDB Aviation, announced today the delivery of the last of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. Brazil’s largest domestic airline.

The aircraft, configured with a 186-seat layout, incorporating both GOL+Conforto and GOL Premium class seats, were delivered from the lessor’s order book with Boeing as part of the lease agreements originally signed with the carrier in 2020.

“Our teams worked side-by-side to execute leases and deliver all these aircraft in very adverse conditions throughout the pandemic. GOL is a great customer that has all our trust,” pointed out Luís da Silva, CDB Aviation’s Head of Commercial, Americas. “The 737 MAX is expected to transform GOL’s fleet, providing significant efficiency gains, while supporting deeper penetration into existing markets and new opportunities for expansion.”

"The delivery of this last aircraft in a package of seven 737 MAX 8s from CDB Aviation marks a milestone in GOL history, our MAX fleet reaching twenty-four aircraft with this delivery. This accelerated fleet transformation plan ensures we can serve our customers better, with more comfort and environmental responsibility,” said Celso Ferrer, GOL’s COO. “The MAX being a key component in the company’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, as this aircraft consumes 15% less fuel, produces 16% fewer carbon emissions, and 40% less noise, and has a greater flight range than the next generation aircraft.”

“GOL has been at the forefront of the industry, making investments during the pandemic in the modernization of their fleet and accelerating expansion plans in anticipation of the strong recovery of air travel in the post-pandemic environment,” contended Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our commercial team remains steadfast in finding ways to support customers’ unique needs, enabling them to remain competitive and tap into growth opportunities.”

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American Airlines and GOL to form an exclusive partnership to create best network and loyalty programme across the Americas

Carriers have entered into an exclusive codeshare agreement that will deepen their partnership and strengthen the largest network between the U.S. and Brazil.

American’s AAdvantage and GOL’s SMILES loyalty programs will create the largest joint frequent flyer program in the Americas with enhanced benefits coming in 2022.

Increased commercial cooperation will drive sustainable growth, including more flights to more destinations for both airlines.

American Airlines announced that it has entered into a letter of intent to further solidify its partnership with GOL, Brazil’s largest airline. Building on the two carriers’ initial codeshare offering in 2020, the expanded partnership includes an exclusive codeshare agreement, a larger and more lucrative joint SMILES and AAdvantage® loyalty program partnership. It also expects to increase commercial cooperation with GOL to accelerate growth and create a more seamless experience for all customers.

“American has long been the leading U.S. carrier to South America and our stronger partnership with GOL solidifies that leadership position,” said Robert Isom, President of American Airlines. “Our long-haul network marries seamlessly with GOL’s strong domestic network in Brazil. Together, we will be able to offer customers flying to, through and from Brazil, access to the largest network with the lowest fares and the Americas’ biggest and best joint travel loyalty program.”

Exclusive Codeshare between the U.S. and Brazil

GOL will become American’s sole codeshare partner in Brazil and American will become GOL’s sole codeshare partner in the U.S. On their combined networks, customers can travel to more than 30 destinations served by American in the U.S. and more than 20 new destinations in South America served by GOL.

“This codeshare agreement between two of the leading airlines in the Americas combines our highly complementary route networks to offer customers a seamless travel experience with the largest number of flights and destinations in North and South America,” said GOL CEO Paulo Kakinoff. “We believe that this will bolster GOL’s presence in international markets, accelerate our long-term growth, and maximize value for our shareholders. It adds to our confidence in GOL’s growth as the economy reopens and travel demand increases.”

Brazil's GOL releases preliminary traffic figures for March 2021

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A., Brazil's largest domestic airline, has released details of its preliminary air traffic figures for the month of March 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.

During March, GOL operated an average of 245 flights per day, and adjusted frequencies to match lower demand in its hubs in Congonhas (São Paulo), Galeão (Rio de Janeiro), Brasília (Distrito Federal), Fortaleza (Ceará) and Salvador (Bahia). GOL remains disciplined in its leadership of the market.

March/21 x February/21 Highlights:  

In the domestic market in March 2021, demand (RPK) for GOL's flights decreased 32% over February 2021 and supply (ASK) decreased by 23% over February 2021, primarily due to a reduction in the demand for airline tickets and an increase in cancellations and no-shows deriving from the effects of a second wave of Covid-19. GOL's domestic load factor was 71.8% in March.

GOL did not operate regular international flights during the month.

Doubt over Gol's long term future grow.

There are fresh doubts emerging over the ability of the Brazilian airline Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes long term future in the wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.  

The carrier said it was expecting a warning from the independent auditors as it battles to survive the after-effects the pandemic. These so-called “going concern” warnings are used by independent auditors when, in their view, there is a substantial risk that a company may not be flying a year from now.

Other Latin American carriers have already had such warnings, including LATAM Airlines Group and Avianca, both of these carriers have filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. 

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Gol to get $412 million form Boeing over the 737 MAX groundings

Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes the Brazillian airline has confirmed today that it is going to get a total of BRL2.4 billion that's around $412.03 million in compensation from the US planemaker Boeing Co for the grounding of the 737 MAX aircraft. 

Boeing would not confirm the payment earlier today, but comes at a crucial time for the airline as it struggles to cope with a vast drop in demand because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

The airline has also started to require passengers to wear face masks during their flights. The requirement came into force on 1`0th May and goes hand in hand with other measures the airline is taking to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. The carrier has introduced alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in its aircraft for crew members and passengers. Instigated social distancing methods at airports, check-in, departure lounge and boarding.  Greatly reduced its in-flight service offering and implemented an improved night cleaning process with the use of hospital-grade disinfectant for the service galleries and all areas of intense use in the cabin, including that of the pilots. After each flight, surfaces are wiped again with disinfectant to boost the cleaning that was done overnight.  

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Gol posts massive loss blamed on weaker currency

Photo Boeing/Gol

The Brazilian Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes posted a massive loss this week -  BRL$2.3 billion reals, roughly US$419.2 million or £332.1 million which it blames on the depreciation of the Brazilian currency.

The airline says that it believes it has enough cash to last the rest of the year and that the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 didn't really affect its first-quarter results too greatly, however, warned the same could not be said for the second quarter. 

Some highlights of Q1 for Gol included. Revenue Passenger Kilometer (RPK) decreased 6.4% totalling BRL$9.9 billion, while Available Seat Kilometer (ASK) reduced 4.4% quarter-over-quarter. GOL transported 8.3 million customers, a decrease of 6.7% the same period last year. 

The carriers net revenue was BRL$3.1 billion, a decrease of 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year., whereas cargo and other revenues increased by 16.4% to BRL$206.4 million and the airline's operating costs and expenses decreased by approximately 17% to 67.4%, from 84.2% against last year.

737 Max orders vanish.....

Photo Sky News

Customers of Boeing's ill-fated 737 MAX have cancelled orders for 150 orders for the twinjet in the month of March alone.  The US manufacturer's commercial order backlog fell by just over 300 aircraft during the first quarter.

Aircraft leasing giant cancelled an order for 75 737 MAX aircraft, GOL one of the major airlines in Brazil sliced 39 off its order,  Smartwings dropped an order for five of the type and other airlines have reduced orders and there is more on the way.  According to IATA, 2020 passenger numbers will be down across the world by an estimated 48%, which will undoubtedly lead to more order cancellations and deferrals. 

Boeing's official order backlog stands at 5,049, which includes 4,079 for the still grounded MAX, which still doesn't look like getting back to commercial operation before July at the earliest.

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American Airlines and GOL Announce Codeshare Agreement to Offer More Daily Service Between South America and the U.S. than Any Other Airline Partnership

American also increases service to MIA from six cities in the U.S.; adds second daily flight to Rio de Janeiro

American Airlines and GOL, Brazil’s largest airline, today announced a new reciprocal codeshare agreement, giving customers access to 20 new destinations in South America. American will also increase service from Miami (MIA) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), adding a second daily flight this winter. The airline also plans to provide more opportunities to bring customers to Latin America through MIA by adding 12 flights from six U.S. cities.

American’s expansion in Miami and Latin America includes:

• Service to new destinations in South America not currently served by American. These flights — operated by GOL — include service to Asuncion, Paraguay, and other destinations in Brazil.
• GOL codeshare established on American routes in the United States, paired with frequent flier earning and redemption on both airlines soon after approval.
• Increased flying out of MIA, including an additional flight from MIA to GIG during the peak winter months on a Boeing 787-8 — one of American’s first 787-8s operating out of MIA.
• 12 more year-round, daily domestic frequencies, including increased flying from Nashville (BNA), Boston (BOS), Houston (IAH), Orlando (MCO), Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and Tampa (TPA) to MIA.

“We are proud of our strong presence in Latin America, which includes 170 daily flights to the region, Admirals Club lounges and dedicated Premium Guest Services teams in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo,” said American Airlines President Robert Isom.

Brazil's GOL expects Boeing 737 Max to be flying in April

GOL the Brazilian low-cost carrier expects to have some of its Boeing 737 Max back in the air by April this year according to the carriers chief financial officer.

The airline has an order for around 130 of grounded jets is currently in deep negotiations with Boeing over a compensation deal that will include a cash payout, spare parts, reduction of deposit costs and help with further training for flight crews. Chief Financial Officer Richard Lark said the carrier hopes to secure the deal within a few months. 

Lark expects its seven grounded jets in Brazil to be flying in April and the airline to be flying 23 or 24 of the jets by the end of the year.  If all goes well it should then take delivery of 12 each year thereafter.  On Tuesday, Lark told the media that “within a short period of time” after the US regulators - the  FAA declares the aircraft safe to fly and airworthy the Brazillian authorities would follow suit. 

There is less customer reticence to fly the 737 Max in Brazil according to Lark because there had been less publicity about the crashes and the shortcomings of both Boeing and the FAA in the airworthiness certification process and rushed production. But GOL would work hard to reassure the travelling public “You will see owners and executives flying the aircraft with their families - things like that,” he said.

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GOL Airlines on Delta Partnership

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes has issued a statement regarding it's now former partner - Delta following the announcement by the US mega carrier advising it was taking a 20% stake in LATAM for $1.9 billion.  GOL says Delta has been a "terrific partner and we wish them well. We valued our partnership with Delta, and are gratified to see its continuing confidence in the Latin American aviation market."

The phase-out of this codeshare arrangements isn't expected to cause difficulties, as GOL says it will continue to work "Delta to ensure a seamless experience for customers. GOL Airlines is the largest Brazilian domestic carrier and we look forward to competing and growing in our markets. 

It is also expected that American will make overtures to GOL to rebuild Latin American connections it lost following the Delta/LATAM. American hasn't responded to questions about possible future negotiations with GOL, however many in the industry believe its just a matter of time.

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Virgin Atlantic and GOL announce codeshare partnership

Delta Air Lines UK operation, Virgin Atlantic has agreed on a new codeshare deal with the Brazillian carrier, GOL which will allow customers to seamlessly connect from Virgin Atlantic’s brand new London Heathrow – Sao Paulo service onto flights across Brazil. 

GOL is one of the largest domestic carriers in Brazil and will offer connections to 37 destinations across the country, including Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Recife. Virgin Atlantic and GOL plan to expand their codeshare further in the near future with the addition of flights to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, in addition to a reciprocal frequent flyer programme expected soon*.

Virgin Atlantic and GOL announce codeshare that will serve 

37 destinations across Brazil

Virgin Atlantic’s brand new London Heathrow – Sao Paulo service

 goes on sale 10 September 2019

The inaugural flight to Sao Paulo and beyond will fly on 29 March 2020

Virgin Atlantic and GOL plan to expand the codeshare further into South America soon as well as reciprocal frequent flyer program.

Flights from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo and beyond will go on sale on Tuesday 10th September 2019. Virgin Atlantic will fly daily from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo with the inaugural flight on 29 March 2020. Virgin Atlantic will fly a Boeing 787-9 to the South American business capital and customers will be able to enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s signature Upper Class, Premium and Economy Delight, Classic and Light. The South American service will also be an important route for Virgin Atlantic’s Cargo customers. 

KLM-BCG partnership announces GOL as new customer

With more than 33 million passengers transported annually, GOL is the largest airline in Brazil, operating 750 daily flights to 73 destinations in Brazil and in South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. KLM and BCG have developed and brought to the market state of the art solutions based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced optimization. The jointly developed technology drives growth, accelerates innovation, and streamlines operations to meet the growing demands of today’s travellers.

The unique partnership between KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), aimed at improving Digital Airline Operations worldwide today announced that GOL becomes the reference low-cost carrier customer.​

GOL Accelerates Fleet Renewal

Photo Boeing

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, Brazil's number one airline, announced today a further acceleration of its fleet renewal and modernization plan and the execution of sale and leaseback agreements, with Castlelake and Apollo Aviation, for 13 Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft in the GOL fleet that will be replaced with Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft over the next few years.

Due to favourable market conditions for transactions with its Boeing 737 NGs, GOL has accelerated its fleet renewal and modernization plan with sale and leaseback transactions of 13 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft that will be removed from the fleet during 2019-2021. "GOL will maintain its capacity discipline, and this transaction reinforces the flexibility of the Company's fleet plan," said Celso Ferrer, vice president of planning. The accelerated fleet renewal will not alter GOL's planned capacity, as these aircraft will be returned simultaneously with the receipt of 737 MAX-8 aircraft under its order with Boeing and recent direct operating leases of 11 737 MAX-8 aircraft. The accelerated return of NGs will allow GOL to finish 2019 and 2019 with 24 and 34 737 MAX-8s in its operating fleet, respectively.