GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes has taken
delivery of a newly outfitted 737 MAX 8 and unveiled plans to
fly the more fuel-efficient and longer-range 737 airplane on
international routes.
"Today is an exciting day for the entire GOL
team, we are happy to welcome the 737 MAX 8. We can further
improve our operational efficiency by flying a young, modern and
safe fleet, while also lowering the cost of air travel and
expanding our network to new international destinations," said
Paulo Kakinoff, Chief Executive Officer of GOL at a celebration in
Sao Paulo last week.
The Brazilian airline took delivery of its first
737 MAX 8 this year and has been improving onboard products and
services, such as adding WiFi to the popular Boeing
Sky Interior cabin. The airline is now outfitting its second 737
MAX airplane with the same cabin
amenities.
As part of its strategic fleet renewal program,
GOL has placed multiple orders for the 737 MAX, including a new
order last month at the Farnborough International Airshow. In all,
GOL is on track to become the largest MAX operator in Latin
America with a fleet of 135 MAX airplanes.
The first MAX airplanes arriving at GOL are the
MAX 8 variant, which seats up to 186 passengers in GOL's
configuration. The airplane will reduce GOL's fuel use and
emissions by 15 percent compared to today's single-aisle
airplanes, and can fly farther than its predecessor. With the
additional range, GOL said it will begin regular service from
Brazil's capital Brasilia and Fortaleza to Miami and Orlando. GOL
also plans new international routes to Quito, the capital of
Ecuador, with the MAX.
Thirty of GOL's new airplanes will be for the
larger MAX 10, which will enable GOL to comfortably serve more
than 30 additional passengers.
"GOL is a pioneer in bringing affordable fares
to Latin America since its inception. We are honored to have such
a great partner officially join the Boeing 737 MAX family and
serve as one of its ambassadors in the region," said Ricardo
Cavero, vice president of Commercial Sales in Latin America for
The Boeing Company. "We are confident the 737 MAX will help GOL
continue bringing great fares and service to its customers,
especially with the new 737 MAX 10 that will arrive in the
future."
GOL also uses Boeing Global Services to improve
its operational efficiency through products and services such as
Airplane Health Management for its 737 MAX fleet, Maintenance
Performance Toolbox and the Engine Fleet Planning and Costing
(EFPAC) tool.
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