In the future, the new partnership will also allow reciprocal use of frequent flyer programs
MONTREAL and SAO PAULO, March 11, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada and Brazil's GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes announced today a codeshare agreement that will make it easier for customers to connect and travel through the two airlines' networks. The agreement is subject to approval of the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica and the Canadian Transportation Agency.
"Air Canada is very pleased to be expanding its global reach through this agreement with Brazil's GOL. The codeshare agreement will enhance our newly-started, three-times-a-week non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro and our non-stop daily service to São Paulo from our Toronto global hub. The codeshare will offer customers even more choice and greater convenience because GOL has an extensive domestic network from these Brazilian gateway cities," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada.
"We have invested in partnerships that provide ever-increasing benefits to our customers. The expansion of the partnership with Air Canada is precisely this, and it will also strengthen our presence in international markets," said Ciro Camargo, head of alliances at GOL.
The two companies currently have an interline agreement that allows customers to make a single reservation for flights on both carriers. The expansion of this partnership under the Codeshare agreement will initially allow Air Canada to include its code on flights operated by GOL, enabling its customers a greater number of connections to destinations and improving network connectivity between the companies. It also provides for a Frequent Flyer Program Agreement which, when concluded, will allow the members of either loyalty program – Aeroplan from Air Canada Smiles from GOL - the ability to accumulate and redeem miles on eligible flights operated by the two carriers.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 190 destinations on five continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2014 served more than 38 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 Canadian cities, 52 destinations in the United States and 78 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,321 airports in 193 countries. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. In 2014, Air Canada was ranked for a fifth consecutive year "Best Airline in North America" in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by Skytrax. For more information on Air Canada visit aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.
ABOUT GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (BMF&BOVESPA: GOLL4 and NYSE: GOL), the largest low-cost and best-fare airline in Latin America, offers around 910 daily flights to 71 destinations, 15 international, in South America, the Caribbean and the United States, using a young, modern fleet of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, the safest, most efficient and most economical of their type. The SMILES loyalty program allows members to accumulate miles and redeem tickets to more than 700 locations around the world via flights with foreign partner airlines. The Company also operates Gollog, a logistics service which retrieves and delivers cargo and packages to and from more than 3,500 cities in Brazil and six abroad. With its portfolio of innovative products and services, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes offers the best cost-benefit ratio in the market.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "preliminary", "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions, including those described herein and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those identified in Air Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release, and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
SOURCE Air Canada
Image with caption: "Air Canada and GOL Sign Codeshare Agreement (CNW Group/Air Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150311_C6461_PHOTO_EN_13034.jpg
