Air France-KLM and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes announced that they 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).
