Brazilian Airline Gol and its own subsidiary Varig entered into an agreement effective September 14, through which Varig passengers traveling on international flights with connections at Guarulhos International Airport (São Paulo) or Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio de Janeiro) can now purchase tickets for all 50 domestic destinations served by Gol.
"Through this interline agreement, Gol and Varig are now able to offer the most comprehensive route network of any airline operating within Brazil. The operating efficiencies between the two companies will offer passengers a safe and convenient option for domestic and international transportation," says Constantino de Oliveira Junior, Gol's president and CEO.
Passengers, according to Gol, will also have the added convenience of having their luggage checked through to their final destination, eliminating the need to re-check baggage during connections between the two companies.
Fares charged under this agreement account for all legs of the flight, including both Varig and Gol's routes. The agreement is only valid for full-fare tickets.
In addition to the interline agreement with Gol, Varig will also participate in MITA (Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreements), an IATA network of airlines from around the world. All MITA members have the option to enter into interline agreements with other member airlines.
Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. is the parent company of low-cost airlines Gol Transportes Aéreos S.A. (GTA, which operates the Gol brand) and Varig Linhas Aéreas S.A. (Varig, which operates the Varig brand).
Gol and Varig offer daily flights to more destinations in Brazil than any other domestic airline. The airlines operate a fleet of Boeing aircraft.
