São Paulo, July 16, 2018 - GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. ("GOL Airlines", "GOL" or "Company"), (NYSE: GOL and B3: GOLL4), and Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today that GOL Airlines has signed a new contract for the acquisition of 15 additional MAX 8 jets, growing GOL's total MAX orders to 135 jets, and the conversion of 30 current MAX 8 orders to 737 MAX 10 jets.
Brazil's leading carrier is adding the newest and largest member of the 737 MAX family, as these advanced aircraft will help GOL meet its commitment to further enhance operational efficiency by flying a young, modern and safe fleet.
"This new order reflects our strategic policy of reducing operating costs by operating a standardized fleet and a large route network, permitting GOL to continue to lower the cost of air travel across Brazil and add new destinations. We are confident that the 737 MAX 10 will offer significant competitive advantages for GOL on high density routes and in airports with slot constraints," said Paulo Kakinoff, CEO of GOL Airlines. "We look forward to flying the MAX and taking advantage of its efficiency and improved passenger comfort."
A 737 MAX 10 will enable GOL to comfortably serve more than 30 additional passengers compared to its 737 MAX 8, which seats up to 186 passengers in the airline's configuration. The additional capacity will provide GOL greater flexibility and a competitive cost advantage as the MAX 10 will have the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane in the market. "Increased seat capacity per aircraft not only reduces the costs of providing passenger transportation, but also improves our ability to distribute passengers within our large domestic and growing international flight networks," adds Kakinoff.
The first aircraft under GOL's first order of 737-800 NGs was added to GOL's fleet 12 years ago, in July 2006, and GOL took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 airplane last month, kicking off a fleet renewal that will continue through 2028. The 737 MAX 8 consumes 15% less fuel than GOL's 737-800 NG aircraft and will be instrumental in GOL's continued reduction of operating costs.
GOL's integrated flight network offers over 700 daily flights to destinations in Brazil while providing customers with the most convenient flight schedules in the country. Through the 737 MAX 8's longer range capabilities, GOL's network is adding service to new destinations in Latin America and the United States. The Company's 90 current airline distribution partnerships make the combined network one of the largest for passengers flying to and from Brazil. The all-Boeing operator is set to be the largest MAX operator in Latin America.
"This order shows why GOL has been a pioneer in low-cost air travel in Brazil. The airline is always looking for ways to bring the best fares to its customers. GOL will be able to do just that with the 737 MAX 10's additional capacity and unbeatable economics," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. "We continue to see strong market demand for the largest MAX model thanks to the additional capacity and unbeatable operating costs."
The 737 MAX family is designed to offer customers exceptional performance, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that is opening up new destinations in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, with 100 customers ordering more than 4,600 airplanes. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max. 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.
GOL's fleet growth tracks Brazilian economic growth, and GOL's aircraft contracts are structured to provide flexibility for higher or lower market growth and emerging opportunities. GOL currently operates 119 Boeing 737 aircraft, including 118 NGs (-7 and -8 models) and one MAX (-8 model received into the fleet last month). In 2018, the Company will incorporate an additional five MAXs into the fleet, replacing four NGs. In 2019, plans are to replace eight NGs with ten MAXs. Plans are to incorporate the MAX 10 into the fleet beginning in 2022.
The fleet modernization plan guarantees that the GOL fleet will maintain its status as one of the youngest and most-modern in the world. By the end of 2024, over 50 percent of the fleet will be comprised of 78 MAX aircraft, reducing the average age of the fleet to 5.5 years. At the end of 2027, over 75 percent of the fleet will be comprised of 118 MAX aircraft, reducing the average age of the fleet to 4.8 years. The table below details the fleet plan through 2027:
