Brazilian carrier GOL is to accelerate its fleet renewal and modernisation plan and has executed operating lease agreements for 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with lessor Avolon.
The airline said the move is the result of “operational gains and favourable market conditions”. The aircraft from Avolon will arrive in the second half of 2019.
The accelerated fleet renewal will not alter GOL’s planned capacity, as it will simultaneously return and/or sell 737 next generation (NG) aircraft under operating and finance leases.
GOL said it launched operations with the 737 MAX 8 in July 2018 with “impressive results” as compared to GOL’s 737-800 NG aircraft, the MAX 8 has decreased fuel consumption on GOL’s routes by approximately 15 per cent.
Additionally, the increased range of the 737 MAX 8 has allowed GOL to further diversify its route network and to begin operating flights to North America and its new Brasilia-Orlando route is the longest commercial 737 flight in history.
Along with four new international destinations already announced – Miami, Orlando, Quito and Cancun – the 737 MAX 8s will allow GOL to launch a new international destination every quarter over the next two years.
GOL has an order for 135 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered through 2028 and is the largest 737 operator in Latin America and one of the largest in the world.
