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American Expands Partnership With Brazil’s GOL

American Airlines flyers will soon get access to 34 new South America destinations and reciprocal elite benefits thanks to an agreement signed with Brazil’s largest airline, GOL.
American Airlines is once again aligning themselves with another major carrier in the Americas, with the goal of offering more international destinations for flyers.

 

In a press release, the carrier announced a new exclusive partnership with Brazilian carrier GOL, which will add new destinations and frequent flyer benefits for American flyers.

 

New Service Adds 34 New South American Destinations, Joint Frequent Flyer Program

Before both airlines agreed to the partnership, they announced intentions to enter the exclusive partnership in September 2021. Under the finalized plan, American will make a $200 million investment in GOL, holding a 5.2% stake in Brazil’s largest airline.

 

In return, flyers of both carriers will get access to over 30 new destinations served by the partner carrier. American currently offers flights to 17 South American destinations, including Rio de Janeiro International Airport (RIO) and São Paulo International Airport (GRU) from hubs in Dallas, Miami and New York. Through GOL, flyers will be able to book through to over 34 new destinations across the continent. Brazilian flyers aboard GOL will get access to over 30 new cities in the U.S.s served by American.

 

The new benefits won’t end with new interline flights. The two carriers will also offer reciprocal loyalty benefits to elite members of American AAdvantage and GOL SMILES, including priority check-in and security clearance, free priority checked luggage and lounge access. A future goal of the two carriers is to further align their programs to create an “enhanced joint loyalty offering,” which would allow frequent flyers to use and redeem miles across both carriers.

 

Final approval of the agreement is subject to regulatory approval in both nations.

 

New Partnership Latest Round of Alliances for American

The newest agreement marks the latest attempt by American to extend their reach through aligning with other airlines. In 2021, the Fort Worth-based airline executed their Northeast Alliance with JetBlue, offering more reach into the Northeast for American flyers while giving JetBlue more nationwide exposure.

 

Feature image courtesy: American Airlines

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