05/23/2024 – 23:23
The airlines Azul and Gol announced on Thursday night (23) a commercial cooperation agreement that will connect their airline networks in Brazil through a codeshare (flight sharing).
The partnership will only include exclusive domestic routes, that is, those operated by one of the two companies and not the other. Routes that are operated by both Companies are not included in the sharing.
The alliance will allow the two companies to jointly sell tickets on their own and/or partner flights, expanding the connectivity of their airline networks. The agreement will also allow the accumulation of points or miles from shared flights in the Smiles and Azul Fidelidade programs, depending on the customer’s preference.
According to the official statement, the partnership includes exclusive domestic routes, that is, operated by one of the two companies and not the other. And its implementation will take place at the end of June.
Together, GOL and Azul hold around 60% of the Brazilian market and around 1,500 daily takeoffs.
How codeshare will work
Points: The points and miles relating to codeshare segments purchased on the other airline’s digital channels – for example, a Gol flight purchased on the Azul website – can be accumulated on Azul Fidelidade or Smiles, and this choice is up to the customer. This applies to both connecting flights and individual flights.
Check in: Check-in must always be done via digital channels or in person at counters at the airports of the airline operating the flight or the first leg in the case of connecting flights, regardless of the company that sold the ticket. In the case of connecting flights, the Customer will receive all boarding passes for their trip at check-in.
Baggage: Baggage check-in follows the same rules as check-in. It must be carried out with the airline operating the flight or the first leg, and will be delivered to the final destination, regardless of connection with the other company.
Changes: Rebookings and cancellations of reservations must be handled with the company that sold the ticket.
More rules: Additional facilities and optional items, such as special seats and checked baggage, in addition to loyalty program and cargo transportation benefits, remain under the rules pre-determined by each company and must be observed by customers.
The statement released on Thursday night, the 23rd, does not mention a potential merger between the two companies.
Notice to the Market
“The airlines Azul and GOL announce a commercial cooperation agreement that will connect their airline networks in Brazil through a codeshare. The partnership includes exclusive domestic routes, that is, operated by one of the two companies and not the other.
The agreement also involves loyalty programs, allowing Azul Fidelidade and Smiles members to accumulate points or miles in the program of their choice when purchasing flights included in the codeshare.
“This agreement will bring enormous benefits to our Customers. Both companies have a history of developing aviation in Brazil, focused on excellence in customer service. With Azul’s highly connected network serving most cities in Brazil and GOL’s strong presence in key Brazilian markets, our complementary offerings will offer Customers the widest range of travel options,” said Abhi Shah, President of Azul.
Consumers will be able to benefit from this commercial partnership from the end of June, when the offer will be available on both companies’ sales channels.
Customers will have hundreds of new domestic routes available, as well as more convenient connection opportunities, for example: from Brasília to Tabatinga, with a short stop in Manaus; or depart from Rio de Janeiro and arrive in Marabá with a stop in Belém.
“GOL and Azul have always been committed to expanding the Brazilian aviation market. This codeshare agreement will provide Customers with access to even more options for traveling around our country. GOL already offers more than 60 different commercial agreements with many global airline partners and we look forward to expanding this benefit within Brazil as well,” said Celso Ferrer, CEO of GOL.
Azul and GOL have around 1,500 daily departures. The agreement will create more than 2,700 travel opportunities with just one connection.”
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