GOL Airlines launched their New York City-Rio de Janeiro flight on July 8 and 9.
GOL Airlines
GOL Linhas Aéreas (GOL Airlines) is now offering another option for flying to and from New York City to Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian carrier has launched new nonstop service between both major cities via RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG) and JFK Airport. Also in introducing this route, GOL Airlines has marked the airline’s first long-haul international route.
Officials from GOL Airlines celebrated the debut of the route’s inaugural flights on July 8 and 9 with ribbon cutting ceremonies at both respective airports. The new flights will operate three times weekly onboard an Airbus A330.
The first period of these flights will take place from now to October, when the demand from North American summer travel is stronger. From March 2027 onwards, GOL Airlines will then start a continuous operation.
GOL Airlines CEO Celso Ferrer was among the airline’s officials who came to New York City to celebrate the New York-Rio de Janeiro route
GOL Airlines
These GOL Airlines flights will depart Rio de Janeiro on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:55 p.m., arriving in New York at 6:55 a.m. the following day. Return flights depart New York on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 p.m., arriving in Rio de Janeiro at 9:55 a.m. the following morning. At JFK, GOL Airlines will operate out of Terminal 8.
At a recent media reception held at Berimbau Brazilian Table, a restaurant in Manhattan’s Midtown district, GOL executives shared more news about the airline’s new development. At the beginning of the event, the restaurant’s Chef Victor Vasconcellos shared his personal experiences about flying with the Brazilian airline.
“I think it’s a good start to say what GOL means for Brazil,” said CEO Celso Ferrer, also in reference to the inaugural flight to NYC publicity. “It means a lot because of the legacy that this company has.”
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Jeff Korum – Head of JFK T8 Comercial Affairs, AAlexandre Toshio – Especialista de Planejamento de Infraestrutura, Jeff DeLeon – Strategic Alliances Director at American Airlines, Danillo Barbizan – Sales Direct
Courtesy of GOL Airlines
For this 25-year-old airline, this milestone is among others cited by Ferrer at the luncheon. In October 2016, GOL Airlines pioneered in-flight connectivity in South America by operating the region’s first commercial flight with onboard internet. GOL was also the first Brazilian airline to introduce mobile check-in.
GOL and American Airlines’ strategic codeshare partnership will permit GOL ticketholders to earn and redeem American’s AAdvantage miles. They also will have airport lounge access.
Additionally, GOL has partnered with Michelin-starred Brazilian chef Felipe Bronze to curate the premium dining menus for the airline’s Business INSIGNIA class on their long-haul international routes. Business INSIGNIA by GOL will offer full lie-flat seats, premium amenity kits and a 16-inch inflight entertainment touchscreen.
Additionally, GOL is due to receive the first of five Airbus A330-900 neo widebody aircraft from Avolon by the end of the year.
The GOL event in New York City also announced new nonstop flights from Rio de Janeiro to London, Paris and Orlando.