Delta Air Lines is to expand its co-operation with Brazillian low-cost carrier GOL, with a US$100 million investment and a seat on the board of directors. The carrier also plans to take an equity stake in Aeromexico.
The deal will see passengers of the two airlines benefitting from reciprocal miles earning and burning privileges and lounge access, expanded codeshare agreements on flights between the US and Brazil and within the carriers’ domestic networks, co-located airport facilities, and “enhanced loyalty alignment, where premium customers of each airline will experience differentiated service and recognition”.
Commenting on the move Delta’s CEO Richard Anderson said that “This agreement reinforces our relationship and moves Delta one step closer to achieving our goal of becoming the best US carrier in the region”.
The deal will allow Delta to tap further into a Brazilian aviation market expected to become the fourth largest in the world by 2014, and compliments its existing codeshare agreement with forthcoming Skyteam member Aerolineas Argentinas.
Delta says that it is also “planning to take an equity stake” in existing Skyteam partner Aeromexico, with which it already has established codeshare agreements.
For more information visit delta.com, voegol.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
