Gol and Aerolíneas Argentinas will start an “air bridge” between São Paulo (Brazil) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) from November 1, with a joint operation on flights between Guarulhos and Aeroparque airports.
Announced in June, the start date of the new service was revealed on Monday in Buenos Aires, during the ALTA Leaders Forum, an event with the main airlines in Latin America.
The joint service includes a dedicated check-in desk at both airports and the flexibility for passengers from both airlines to change their flights as long as they are on the same day of travel. According to Gol, the no-change option involves customers who purchase Plus, MAX and Premium fares or who have Silver, Gold and Diamond Smiles cards.
Gol and Aerolíneas have a codeshare agreement since 2014, in addition to being operators of Boeing 737 MAX jets in South America.
The “air bridge” format refers to the joint service that the extinct carriers Varig, Vasp, Transbrasil and Cruzeiro do Sul performed between Santos Dumont and Congonhas airports, on the well-known “Rio-São Paulo Air Bridge”.
At the time, passengers could fly on any flight or plane from the four airlines, although for many years the only aircraft available was the Lockheed Electra II turboprop.
Using the Aeroparque-Jorge Newbery Airport is an advantage for passengers as the central airport of the Argentine capital has a more practical access to the tourist and corporate region, compared to Ezeiza Airport, which, in addition to being distant, does not have a rail connection with the city.
“GOL and Aerolíneas Argentinas already benefit Brazilian and Argentine travelers with a wide connection both in Guarulhos and Buenos Aires in a very successful codeshare partnership. With the start of our air shuttle, we will offer the most convenient flights in the region, which increases the possibilities of comfort for our Customers”, said Celso Ferrer, CEO of GOL.
“We are linked with GOL in a multi-year relationship through a codeshare agreement that allows travelers to connect from multiple destinations in both countries. The launch of this air bridge reinforces this relationship and benefits our passengers, who can now travel in one direction or the other with a wide and robust offer. It is another step that highlights the importance of the Brazilian market for us”, said Pablo Ceriani, CEO of Aerolíneas Argentinas.
