Gol Transportes Aéreos

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Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A
Gol logo.svg
IATA
G3		 ICAO
GLO		 Callsign
GOL
Founded 2000
Commenced operations 2001
Operating bases
Hubs
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer program Smiles
Fleet size 155
(Gol and Varig combined)
Destinations 68
Company slogan Portuguese: Sempre dá para ir mais longe.
English: It's always possible to go farther.
Headquarters São Paulo, Brazil
Key people Constantino de Oliveira Junior, (CEO)
Revenue Increase US$4.0 billion (2012)
Net income Decrease - US$732.0million (2012)
Website www.voegol.com.br

Gol Transportes Aéreos ("Gol Air Transport," BM&F Bovespa: GOLL3,[1] GOLL4,[1] / NYSE:GOL) is a Brazilian low-cost airline based in Comandante Lineu Gomes Square, São Paulo, Brazil.[2]

It also owns the brand Varig, although now that name refers to the informally known "new" Varig, founded in 2006 and not to the "old" Varig, founded in 1927.

According to the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) between January and December 2012 Gol/Varig had 32.91% of the domestic and 10.32% of the international market shares in terms of passengers per kilometre flown.[3]

Gol operates a growing domestic and international scheduled network. Its main hubs are São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport and Brasília International Airport - Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek. Gol also has focus operations at Tancredo Neves International Airport near Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and Porto Alegre's Salgado Filho International Airport.

Gol refers to itself as Gol Intelligent Airlines[4] (Gol Linhas aéreas inteligentes in Portuguese) as a slogan. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as "GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A."[5] The company's name is not an acronym or abbreviation, but an actual word: gol in Brazilian Portuguese translates into English: goal (from Association football/soccer).[6]

Logo of Varig brand

Contents

History

Gol ticket counter at Brasilia International Airport

The airline was established in 2000 and started operations on January 15, 2001 with a flight from Brasília to São Paulo.[7] It is a subsidiary of the Brazilian conglomerate Grupo Áurea based at Minas Gerais state, which has other transport interests including Brazil's largest long-distance bus company. Grupo Áurea in turn is owned by the Constantino family. As of 2004, Gol had carried 11,600,000 passengers, and constituted 20% of the Brazilian air travel market.[citation needed]

On June 24, 2004 Gol launched simultaneous initial public offerings on the New York and São Paulo stock exchanges. It is now owned by AeroPar Participações (77%), Venture (17.6%) and American International Group (5.4%) and employs 5,456 staff (at March 2007).[8] The growth in Gol's stock price made the Constantino family a member of the Forbes Magazine billionaire list in 2005 .

In 2007, Gol was supposed to begin a code-share agreement with TAP Portugal, opening the European market to the Brazilian airline, and the internal Brazilian market to the Portuguese airline (the largest foreign airline in Brazil). TAP Portugal instead chose to cooperate with TAM Airlines (TAM Linhas Aéreas).[9]

On March 28, 2007 Gol officially purchased part of the assets of VARIG - VRG Linhas Aéreas, informally known as "new Varig", a new airline that owned the brand Varig, for US$320 million from Volo Group and MatlinPatterson Global Opportunies hedge fund. At that time "old Varig" was under bankruptcy protection.

Gol announced that the brand VARIG would continue doing business and operating as Varig rather than its official name VRG Linhas Aéreas.[10] The transaction, via its GTI subsidiary, required a US$98 million cash payment, with the balance through the allocation of non-voting shares to VARIG Logística and Volo which had acquired VARIG in June 2006 for US$24 million.[11] The transaction did not involve the original airline, informally known as "old Varig", which continued to exist until its own bankruptcy mid-2010 under the name Flex Linhas Aéreas.

In 2009 Gol was merged into VRG Linhas Aéreas. VRG Linhas Aéreas thus became an airline that operates two brands: Gol and Varig, although in reality flights are operated only under Gol flight numbers. The brand Varig operates to medium-haul scheduled and charter international destinations within South America and to the Caribbean with Boeing 737-700's configured in two classes, and to long-haul charter international destinations in North America, Europe and Africa with Boeing 767-300ER's configured in economy only. The latter is also used in wet-lease operations.[12] The brand Gol operates most of the flights of the network, and has aircraft configured in all-economy class, used for scheduled domestic and international operations within South America.

Because of contractual obligations between 2006 and 2009 "new Varig" (VRG Linhas Aéreas) was obliged to purchase a minimum of 140 hours/month of services from "old Varig" (Flex Linhas Aéreas). Therefore, some of VRG Linhas Aéreas flights operated with Gol flight numbers are actually flown with chartered aircraft from Flex Linhas Aéreas. The agreement ceased before the bankruptcy of Flex on August 20, 2010.[13]

A Gol Boeing 737-700

On February 24, 2010 Gol announced to be in "advanced talks" to join Oneworld alliance,[14] which would allow it to catch up with rival TAM, a recent member of Star Alliance. However, on October 6, 2010, the airline announced a change in position by denying any interest in joining an alliance, preferring to remain independent and to establish a "patchwork of code-sharing agreements."[15] Following this trend, on September 28, 2011 Gol and Aerolíneas Argentinas announced the intention to implement a codeshare, feeder and frequent flyer programs agreement on a date yet to be announced and pending on governments' approval.[16]

On March 18, 2010 Gol unveiled the expansion of its maintenance base located at Belo Horizonte/Confins - Tancredo Neves International Airport. Originally opened in 2008 with the capacity to serve 60 aircraft per year (mainly Boeings 737 and 767), the expansion allowed Gol to increase the number to 120. Gol now seeks homologation from the Federal Aviation Administration, which will enable the center to serve aircraft of other airlines.[17][18]

Since December 23, 2010 Gol Airlines has an operational partnership with the Brazilian carrier Passaredo Linhas Aéreas.

On December 7, 2011, Gol announced the intention of Delta Air Lines to purchase 3% of its shares.[19] The agreement also includes the creation of mutual code-share flights, alignment of frequent flyer benefits and transfer of Gol's Boeing 767s lease agreements to Delta.[20]

On October 6, 2012, Gol will start seasonal operations to Miami and Orlando available for Smiles account holders and origin in Brazil only. Technically they are considered charter flights, although they are not necessarily part of an inclusive tour package; mandatory is the use of miles or miles plus money, and 7-day stays in the destination.[21]

On October 1, 2012, Gol confirmed a firm order of 60 Boeing 737 MAXs. References have not specified the type of MAX aircraft.[22][23]

On 23 January 2013, the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC) announced that Gol Airlines had the fourth worst safety record in the world. The ratings take into account the number and deadliness of the hull losses (destroyed airplanes) they have suffered in the past 30 years, how they have fared more recently, and how many flights they have flown without incident. The results do not take into account the cause of the hull losses, or whether the airline is at fault, so they are not a perfect measure of how safely an airline behaves.[24]

Purchase of Webjet Linhas Aéreas

On July 8, 2011, VRG Linhas Aéreas, owner of the brands Gol and Varig, announced the intention to purchase full control of WebJet Linhas Aéreas.[25] The purchase contract was signed on August 2, 2011.[26] On October 10, 2012 the purchase received its final approval with some operational restrictions from the Brazilian regulatory agency.[27] Services were integrated but both companies continued to operate independently.[28][29] Integration started on October 17, 2012 when sales requested via Webjet's web-portal started to be redirected to Gol's site.[30] However, on November 23, 2012 Webjet abruptly ceased to operate and all services were incorporated by Gol, 850 employees were illegally dismissed in the same day and the brand Webjet ceased to exist. Which proves that the acquisition was made only to extinguish the company that had been a competitor for Gol Airlines and also Bus transport business carried out by Constantino's family, Gol Airline's owner. [28][29] Gol also announced its intention to return all of Webjet's 737-300s to lessors until the end of the first quarter of 2013. There was no mention to the fate of Webjet's 737-800s.[31]

Destinations

Main article: Gol Transportes Aéreos destinations

The link above includes destinations operated by the brands Gol and Varig ("new" Varig).

Agreements

Gol has codeshare and feeder agreements with the following airlines:

Fleet

As of December 2012 the fleet of VRG Linhas Aéreas, which combines the brands Gol and Varig, consisted of the following aircraft:[32]

VRG Linhas Aéreas Boeing 737-800 in Gol colors
VRG Linhas Aéreas Boeing 737-800 in Varig colors
GOL and VARIG Fleets Combined
Aircraft Total Orders Passengers Notes
J Y Total
Boeing 737-700 43 — 0 144 144 Gol and Varig colors
Boeing 737-800 87 88 16
0
0		 154
178
187		 170
178
187		 Gol and Varig colors
Boeing 737 MAX 8 — 60 TBA
Total 130 148

Generally speaking, aircraft in Gol colours are operated on domestic and some international scheduled flights, particularly those to neighboring countries. Aircraft in Varig colours are operated on medium-haul international scheduled and charter flights.

Retired GOL and VARIG Fleets
Aircraft Total Years of operation Notes
Boeing 737-300 24 2000–2010
Boeing 767-200ER 1 2007–2011 stored
Boeing 767-300ER 2 2007–2011 to Delta Air lines

Airline Affinity Program

Smiles is Gol/Varig's Frequent-flyer program as of July 20, 2006. Points can be used for services from Gol/Varig, and partners Air France, Delta Air Lines, KLM, and Qatar Airways including flights, upgrades, holidays, hotel stays and car rentals. Smiles was part of the "new Varig" package bought by Gol, which honored all miles and eventually became its own Frequent-flyer program. Previously Gol had no such a program.

On a study conducted in 2011, Smiles ranked third among 24 chosen frequent flyer programs, with 97.1% success of requests made.[33]

Accidents and incidents

On 23 January 2013, the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC) announced that Gol had the fourth worst safety record among 60 international airlines that were reviewed.[34]

References

  1. ^ a b "| Empresas Listadas | BM&FBOVESPA". Bmfbovespa.com.br. 2010-03-30. Retrieved 2012-10-07. 
  2. ^ 2010 CALENDÁRIO DE EVENTOS CORPORATIVOS." Gol Transportes Aéreos. Retrieved on February 14, 2010. "Endereço da Sede: Praça Comandante Lineu Gomes, s/n, portaria 3, Aeroporto, CEP 04626-900 – São Paulo - SP"
  3. ^ "Dados Comparativos Avançados" (in Portuguese). Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC). Retrieved January 21, 2013. 
  4. ^ Home Page (International), Gol Transportes Aéreos. January 4, 2007. Retrieved on June 14, 2009.
  5. ^ "GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.," NYSE Euronext
  6. ^ "Brazilian airline flying high doing everything on the cheap," Deseret News
  7. ^ "Editorial". Revista Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (in Portuguese). April 2012. p. 12. 
  8. ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 2007-04-03. p. 87. 
  9. ^ "Agenzia stampa del settore aeronautico, elicotteristico, aerospaziale e della difesa". Avionews. 2007-06-25. Retrieved 2012-10-07. 
  10. ^ Former Brazilian Flagship Airline Bought 28 March 2007
  11. ^ Jackson Flores (2007-04-03). "Brazil's Gol nets ailing Varig successor". Flight International. p. 8. 
  12. ^ Komatsu, Alberto (18 March 2010). "Varig vai a Europa e aos EUA com voo fretado" (in Portuguese). Valor Online. Retrieved 2010-03-18. 
  13. ^ Niemeyer, Felipe (20 August 2010). "Falência da Flex, Rio Sul e Nordeste: Trip deve assumir" (in Portuguese). Panrotas. Retrieved 20 August 2010. 
  14. ^ "AMR in alliance talks with China Eastern-CFO". Reuters. 24 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-20. 
  15. ^ Wisnefski, Stephen (6 October 2010). "Brazil's GOL Doesn't See Benefit of Joining Global Alliance". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 7 October 2010. 
  16. ^ Andrade, Artur Luiz (28 September 2011). "Gol e Aerolíneas Argentinas terão code-share" (in Portuguese). Panrotas. Retrieved 29 September 2011. 
  17. ^ Takar, Téo (18 March 2010). "Gol dobra capacidade do centro de manutenção de Confins" (in Portuguese). Valor Online. Retrieved 2010-04-08. 
  18. ^ "Brazil MRO sector poised for major expansion". Flightglobal. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010. 
  19. ^ Komatsu, Alberto (December 7, 2011). "Delta terá participação de 3% na Gol" (in Portuguese). Valor Econômico. Retrieved December 7, 2011. 
  20. ^ Seabra, Luciana (December 7, 2011). "Gol e Delta firmam acordo comercial para compartilhar voos" (in Portuguese). Valor Econômico. Retrieved December 7, 2011. 
  21. ^ "Voos Smiles para os EUA" (in Portuguese). Gol. September 14, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2012. 
  22. ^ Bader, Tim (October 1, 2012). "Gol anuncia nova compra de 60 jatos boeing 737 max". g1. Retrieved October 1, 2012. 
  23. ^ Morgan, Adam (October 1, 2012). "Boeing, GOL Announce order for 60 737 MAX Airplanes". Boeing. Retrieved October 1, 2012. 
  24. ^ Davies, Alex (January 23, 2013). "The World's 10 Most Dangerous Airlines". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved January 23, 2013. 
  25. ^ Bemfeito, Fabíola (July 8, 2011). "Gol compra Webjet por R$311 milhões" (in Portuguese). Panrotas. Retrieved July 9, 2011. 
  26. ^ Komatsu, Alberto (August 3, 2011). "Gol e Webjet assinam contrato de compra" (in Portuguese). Valor Online. Retrieved August 3, 2011. 
  27. ^ Máximo, Wellton (October 10, 2012). "Cade aprova compra da Webjet mas impõe restrições à Gol" (in Portuguese). Agência Brasil. Retrieved October 12, 2012. 
  28. ^ a b Andrade, Artur Luiz (July 11, 2011). "Após aprovação da compra, Gol não usará marca Webjet" (in Portuguese). Panrotas. Retrieved July 11, 2011. 
  29. ^ a b Nogueira, Danielle (October 6, 2012). "Último voo da Webjet está marcado para julho de 2013" (in Portuguese). O Globo. Retrieved October 12, 2012. 
  30. ^ Teixeira Alves, Danilo (October 17, 2012). "Integração entre Gol e Webjet começa pelo site" (in Portuguese). Panrotas. Retrieved October 18, 2012. 
  31. ^ Aguilhar, Ligia (November 23, 2012). "Gol anuncia encerramento das atividades da Webjet e demite 850" (in Portuguese). Editora Globo. Retrieved November 25, 2012. 
  32. ^ "Frota atual das empresas brasileiras" (in Portuguese). Aeromuseu. December 31, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2012. 
  33. ^ "Value Airlines Offer Best Reward Seat Availability, British and United Improve Most Among Majors". IdeaWorks. May 17, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012. 
  34. ^ "JACDEC SAFETY RANKING 2012." Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre. Thursday 24 January 2012. Retrieved 01 March 2013.
  35. ^ "Accident description N600XL and PR-GTD". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 14 May 2011. 

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