Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA), in collaboration with the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), recently visited the headquarters of GOL Airlines in Brazil. This visit aimed to further promote the new nonstop service between Aruba and São Paulo, Brazil (GRU), which is set to launch in December 2024.
From July 22 to July 26, 2024, representatives from Aruba Airport and A.T.A. engaged in productive meetings with various stakeholders in Brazil. The delegation included Jo-Anne Meaux-Arends, Aviation Business Development Executive from Aruba Airport, and key representatives from A.T.A.: Ronella Croes, CEO of A.T.A., Jordan Schlipken Croes, A.T.A. Area Director LATAM, and Carlos Barbosa of A.T.A. Brazil.
Strategic Meetings and Stakeholder Engagement
During the week, the delegation held strategic meetings with various representatives from GOL Airlines, including network planners, marketing, and sales teams. Important discussions were also held with Tour Operators for Aruba to further promote this new route and explore collaborative marketing opportunities.
Boosting Connectivity and Capacity
The Latin American region has experienced significant growth in 2023 and is expected to reach over 309,500 seats by the end of 2024, demonstrating a robust year-over-year growth of 43%. GOL Airlines, set to launch direct flights to Aruba with three weekly flights starting in December 2024, is expected to add approximately 510 weekly seats from Brazil, further increasing seat capacity from Latin America. This new route is a significant development for Aruba, seeing as the Brazilian market demonstrated remarkable growth, closing 2023 with a 24% increase compared to 2019 and a 33% growth in the first half of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023. This development aligns with our goal to achieve a 40% growth in the Brazilian market by 2025, targeting 25,900 Brazilian visitors.
With the introduction of GOL Airlines, Aruba Airport will host 28 airlines, with São Paulo becoming Aruba’s 32nd direct connection. This expansion is a crucial part of our strategy to diversify and enhance the value of our tourism sector, focusing on high-value markets and fostering strong airline partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The partnership with GOL Airlines underscores our commitment to improving accessibility and connectivity to Aruba. By increasing flight options and enhancing our network, we aim to solidify Aruba’s position as a premier destination in the Caribbean, offering more convenience and choice for travelers.
We extend our gratitude to the team at GOL Airlines for their cooperation and shared vision. Together, we are confident that this partnership will set new records and further strengthen the ties between Brazil and Aruba.
Flight details
GRU-AUA: The service will commence with three weekly flights during the peak season, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, utilizing a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft with a capacity of 176 seats.
| Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
| AUA – GRU | 10:30 PM | 5:50 AM |
| GRU – AUA | 3:30 PM | 9:00 PM |
Tickets are available for purchase on GOL’s website, www.voegol.com.br/en, app, and through travel agents.
Travelers have the option to purchase GOL Premium Economy Class, offering more legroom and greater seat recline, two pieces of checked baggage, as well as more elaborate in-flight service, or Basic Economy.
