GOL and Qatar Airways sign code-share agreement
06-Jan-2011 GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (BM&FBovespa: GOLL4 and NYSE: GOL) (S&P/Fitch: BB-/BB-, Moody`s: Ba3), the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America, and Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, announce today the signature of a code-share agreement.
Under the agreement, Qatar Airways will add its code (QR) to GOL flights departing from Sao Paulo to 48 Brazilian destinations. Thus, Qatar Airways, which operates to Sao Paulo non-stop from its hub in Doha, capital of Qatar, will be able to distribute its customers throughout GOL's routes network, one of the most extensive on the continent, with multiple connection options. For GOL, the agreement represents an additional sales channel, which will increase passenger traffic and load factor in its own flights. The two companies are also working on signing a frequent flyer program agreement.
Through the partnership, GOL's SMILES members and Qatar Airways' Privilege Club customers could earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by both carriers.
"We are pleased to establish this partnership with Qatar Airways, one of the most recognized airline companies worldwide. Through the agreement, we intend to increase demand in our system and to offer our SMILES customers direct access to the Middle East and Asia, further expanding the scope of the program, which already has partners in North America and Europe", said Constantino de Oliveira Junior, GOL's CEO.
"Six months ago, Qatar Airways made an historic entry into South America with non-stop flights to Sao Paulo from Doha and, in doing so, opened up many opportunities for passengers wanting to fly from our network to Brazil," said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.
"Today, we are delighted to extend our reach even further across Brazil, South America's largest country, through this exciting partnership with GOL. More access and more cities strengthens Qatar Airways' network and ultimately benefits the customer with greater choice."
In compliance with standard regulation requirements, the carriers submitted the contract to the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac), the Brazilian aviation authority, and to the Brazilian Antitrust Agency (Cade), the antitrust counsel, for their evaluation before implementing the agreement.