GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. («GOL» or «Company») (B3: GOLL4), a leading domestic airline in Brazil, today announced that it has received key approvals from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the «U.S. Court») in the Company’s legal financial restructuring initiated on January 25, 2024. The approvals granted by the U.S. Court at the «First Day» hearing ensure that GOL will continue operating in the normal course during the process, as previously communicated.
As expected, the U.S. Court approved interim access to the US$950 million in debtor-in-possession («DIP») financing that was committed by members of the Ad Hoc Group of Abra Bondholders, as well as certain other Abra bondholders. The Company intends to seek final approval of the financing at a hearing in the coming weeks. In the meantime, GOL will have immediate access to part of the new liquidity. With this approval, GOL will honor commitments to business partners and suppliers of goods and services provided on or after the filing date of January 25, 2024, and will continue paying employee salaries, wages and benefits.
With access to the new financing, the Company will continue to provide safe and reliable air travel service at a low cost, providing the best travel experience to Customers. Customers can continue to arrange travel and fly in the same manner they always have, including the use of tickets and vouchers, and the accrual, purchase and use of miles earned through Smiles. GOL’s codeshare and interline agreements remain available to Customers.
«We are pleased by this successful start to our legal financial restructuring. Obtaining the U.S. Court’s authorization to access new financing will enable GOL to continue operating in the normal course, as we anticipated,» said Celso Ferrer, Chief Executive Officer. «GOL’s purpose is ‘Being the First for All’, and we initiated this process not only for the benefit of our Company and our Employees, but to make us an even stronger airline for our Customers, suppliers and all our partners. Moving forward with the support of our lenders, we are confident that we will continue to advance our long-term strategies, including improving affordability, the travel experience and Customer choice. We thank our talented team and dedicated partners, suppliers and passengers for their continued support.»
Information on Chapter 11
The U.S. Chapter 11 process is a well-established and flexible legal framework for restructuring businesses with operations in multiple jurisdictions. The legal process allows for companies to strengthen their financial position while continuing to operate as usual, subject to supervision and approval by the U.S. court system. The Chapter 11 process has been used successfully by many international airlines, including Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Avianca Colombia, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Airlines, and United Airlines. Scandinavian Airlines is currently also reorganizing under Chapter 11.
GOL is confident that this process is in the best interests of its stakeholders, including employees and customers, who will continue to benefit from the Company’s affordable, safe and reliable flights as well as its best-in-class service.
