Delta Builds Exclusive Alliance With GOL
Delta has invested millions in Brazil’s leading airline, GOL, for a long-term exclusive commercial alliance between the two airlines. The deal will expand cooperation to leverage each other's strengths and further link Delta's expansive network with one of Brazil's largest and most successful airlines. As part of the agreement, Delta will invest $100 million and have a seat on the GOL board of directors. According to Delta, the new alliance will include codesharing on international flights as well as domestic flights in the U.S. and Brazil. Both airlines plan to utilize combined best practices throughout their respective operations, as well as reciprocal loyalty programs, shared lounge use, and joint sales efforts.
Brazil's economy has undergone a remarkable period of growth in recent years and is now the seventh largest economy in the world and predicted to soon become the fifth largest. Economic ties between the U.S. and Brazil are strong, with demand for flights between the two countries expected to grow by 11 percent over the next four years. Brazil is destined to become the fourth largest aviation market in the world by 2014, with more than 90 million passengers, and this agreement enables Delta and GOL to better respond to customer demand. It offers comprehensive travel options not only within Brazil but to the U.S. and beyond, with Delta gaining access to GOLs extensive domestic destinations and GOL having access to Delta's extensive global network.
Source: Delta Air Lines