Brazilian airline GOL is introducing widebody aircraft to its passenger fleet.
The carrier announced Friday that it will take delivery of up to five Airbus A330-900s, ending its yearslong run as an all-Boeing operator. The larger aircraft, which can seat around 300 customers and fly for up to 15 hours, will support future routes from Brazil to the U.S. and Europe, officials said.
GOL plans to announce new routes “in the coming weeks.”
The A330s are expected to be delivered in phases through 2026 and 2027.
“With the introduction of widebody operations, we are taking another step forward in our evolution – expanding our horizons and creating new products and services for our customers,” GOL CEO Celso Ferrer said in a news release. “In doing so, we will further connect Brazil to the world, while also enabling more people to experience the beauty of our country.”
GOL’s current passenger fleet consists of the 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8. The airline has also placed orders for the 737 MAX 10, which has not yet received type certification.
The carrier formerly operated charter flights with a 767, meaning the A330s will be the first widebodies in its mainline fleet but not the first it has ever owned.
GOL said the Airbus jets were recently acquired by parent company Abra Group, which is allocating them to GOL in an effort to build long-haul connectivity. Abra Group also owns Colombia’s Avianca Group.
GOL is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and flies mainly within South America. It has two destinations in the U.S., Miami and Orlando, Florida.
