Today, American Airlines announced that it has entered into a letter of intent to further solidify its partnership with GOL, Brazil’s largest airline.
Building on the two carriers’ initial codeshare offering in 2020, the expanded partnership includes an exclusive codeshare agreement, a larger and more lucrative joint SMILES and AAdvantage loyalty program partnership.
It also expects to increase commercial cooperation with GOL to accelerate growth and create a more seamless experience for all customers.
“American has long been the leading U.S. carrier to South America and our stronger partnership with GOL solidifies that leadership position,” said Robert Isom, President of American Airlines.
“Our long-haul network marries seamlessly with GOL’s strong domestic network in Brazil.
“Together, we will be able to offer customers flying to, through and from Brazil, access to the largest network with the lowest fares and the Americas’ biggest and best joint travel loyalty program.”
GOL will become American’s sole codeshare partner in Brazil and American will become GOL’s sole codeshare partner in the U.S.
On their combined networks, customers can travel to more than 30 destinations served by American in the U.S. and more than 20 new destinations in South America served by GOL.
“This codeshare agreement between two of the leading airlines in the Americas combines our highly complementary route networks to offer customers a seamless travel experience with the largest number of flights and destinations in North and South America,” said GOL CEO Paulo Kakinoff.
“We believe that this will bolster GOL’s presence in international markets, accelerate our long-term growth, and maximize value for our shareholders.
“It adds to our confidence in GOL’s growth as the economy reopens and travel demand increases.”
In 2022, GOL’s SMILES and American’s AAdvantage loyalty members will gain access to their elite benefits such as priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding, a larger checked baggage allowance, lounge access and preferred seats on both airlines.
The two airlines also expect to offer an enhanced joint loyalty offering to give customers more ways to earn and redeem miles.
