SAO PAULO,
Brazil,
Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GOL Linhas Aereas
Inteligentes (NYSE: GOL and Bovespa: GOLL4), Brazil's low-cost, low-fare
airline, marks its sixth anniversary of operations today. The Company, which
took on the unprecedented responsibility of popularizing air transportation in
Brazil and
South America, celebrates this anniversary with some of the best
numbers in the history of Brazilian aviation. Over the last six years, GOL
transported 55 million passengers; including five million first time flyers.
GOL's current fleet of 65 aircraft operates over 600 daily flights to 55
destinations, including seven international routes to five countries in
South
America. In
December 2006, GOL had domestic and international Brazilian
market shares of 37.1 percent and 13.3 percent, respectively. The Company's
average load factor in 2006 was 74%, the highest in the industry, and GOL has
been the most punctual airline in
Brazil for over 18 months.
The "GOL Effect" has been evident in Brazil's passenger transportation
market over the last six years: average domestic fares have been reduced by
over 25% -- providing low-cost air travel for more Brazilian consumers;
average load factors on domestic flights are at their highest levels ever
(above 70%); and the number of first-time flyers increases year after year.
GOL's international expansion is one of highlights of its sixth
anniversary, as the Company is one of the fastest growing "international"
airlines. In 2006 alone, GOL increased its operating capacity on South
American international routes by over 150 percent. In 2004, Argentina was the
Company's first international destination; strong demand allowed GOL to expand
its services to a total of three Argentinean cities: Buenos Aires, Cordoba and
Rosario. Based on the success of these routes, the Company increased the
number of international destinations: in 2005, GOL began flights to Bolivia
and, in 2006, the Company started service to Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. In
February of this year, GOL will begin operations to Peru and has plans to
further increase it operations in Latin America with a new route to Mexico
later this year.
About GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes
GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes is one of the most profitable and fastest
growing low-cost, low-fare airlines in the industry worldwide. GOL shares are
listed on the NYSE and the Bovespa.