Air France-KLM and Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas (part of the Abra Group of airlines) have extended their long-running commercial partnership for a further 10 years. 

Since 2015, Air France-KLM and GOL have been cooperating in the Europe to Brazil market, facilitating access to their respective networks on either side of the Atlantic through their respective hubs. 

In addition to being able to connect at Brazil’s two traditional international gateways, São Paulo- Guarulhos (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), this agreement also gives Air France-KLM access to GOL’s base at Fortaleza-Pinot Marins International Airport (FOR), strategically located near the northeast tip of Brazil. This is the closest part of the South American landmass to Europe, making it possible for travelers coming from Paris or Amsterdam to make onward connections to numerous Latin American destinations without having to backtrack. 

The agreement between Air France-KLM and GOL, which was originally agreed for five years, was previously extended in 2019. With the new extension it is expected to run up to 2033. 

Air France and KLM will operate a combined frequency of 38 weekly flights between Europe and Brazil during this year’s winter season.  

Air France flies twice daily from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Sao Paulo, to Rio de Janeiro daily and thrice weekly to Fortaleza, while KLM does so daily to both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro from its hub at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). 

This time the deal also includes a technical and MRO component, since Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFIKLME&M) will be servicing CFM56 and LEAP engines that power GOL’s Boeing 737 aircraft.