GOL Linhas AĆ©reas Inteligentes, Brazil's largest airline, is renewing its fleet with a massive order of 135 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which should all be delivered by 2028.
The deal is for 105 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 30 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft with the first three MAX 8 aircraft were delivered to GOL between June and October 2018 and are already operating on commercial flights. The company will add four MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet by the end of 2018, replacing its Next Generation (NG) models.
"We are pleased to be working with Boeing in the renewal of our fleet", says Richard Lark, GOL's chief financial officer. "The additional range of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft allows us to expand our operations abroad and to improve efficiency via a younger and more modern fleet."
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was developed by the North American manufacturer with the help of GOL's pilots, engineers and technicians. The new aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering the best operational performance and a range of over 4,000 miles, enabling GOL to fly to new destinations. Among other improvements and innovations, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 also has reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Aboard the 737 MAX aircraft, GOL's Customers will enjoy the exceptional travel experience that GOL is renowned for. The Sky Interior cabin, already present in GOL's current fleet, includes a new LED lighting system and larger overhead storage. The leather seats are lighter and more ergonomic to ensure greater comfort and operational efficiency. The aircraft will also be equipped with an antenna to enable internet connection during flights, and free access to the onboard entertainment platform, with movies and live TV.
The 737 MAX 10 aircraft will comfortably accommodate 30 additional passengers when compared to the MAX 8 seating configuration, which accommodates up to 186 clients. This increase in passenger numbers will give GOL greater network flexibility and a competitive advantage over long-term costs, as the MAX 10 will have the lowest cost-per-seat of any single-aisle aircraft on the market. It expects to fly the first MAX 10 aircraft in its fleet in 2022.
Lark adds: "By standardizing our fleet with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, we will lower costs, increase productivity and be more operationally agile. It gives us greater flexibility to carry out maintenance and exchanges of aircraft across the network. The same aircraft can be used in both domestic and international segments. This will ensure we continue to provide the exceptional travel experience for Customers that sets GOL apart, with on-time departures in state-of-the-art aircraft.".
