Brazil’s Varig Starts to Spread Wings Overseas Again with Six Agreements

Varig, Brazil's former flagship airline, which has started to emerge from the ashes after going into bankruptcy, has signed agreements with six international airline carriers, including Qatar Airways, El Al and Mexicana.

Starting this month, Varig passengers traveling on domestic and international flights can purchase tickets to all destinations served by Germany's Hahn Air, Hungary's Malev, Israel's El Al, Italy's Air One, Mexico's Mexicana and Qatar's Qatar Airways.

"Through these agreements Varig offers its customers an expanded flight network providing services to cities where the company does not currently operate," says Lincoln Amano, Varig's Commercial Director.

Besides offering passengers the added convenience of having their luggage checked through to their final destination, these interline agreements also simplify ticket purchases through global travel agents or Varig's call centers.

Since September 17, Varig has participated in MITA (Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement), an IATA network of airlines from around the world. All MITA members have the option to enter interline agreements with other member airlines.

Passengers traveling under the Smiles frequent flier program can only accumulate miles on flights operated by Varig.

Varig has being bought by Gol Airline. Together, Gol and Varig offer daily flights to more destinations in Brazil than any other domestic airline.