GOL Completed First Flight with New Boeing 737-800 SFP on Sao Paulo-Rio Shuttle Route

GOL, Brazil’s low-cost, low-fare airline, completed the first flight of its new 737-800 Short Field Performance (SFP) aircraft on the Sao Paulo-Rio de Janeiro Shuttle Route last February 10. In 2006, GOL received the first 11 737-800 SFP aircraft under its order with Boeing and will receive another 14 aircraft during 2007.

GOL’s total order of 121 aircraft –scheduled for delivery between 2006 and 2012- represents the largest
contract signed between the North American manufacturer and a Latin American airline.

GOL currently operates a fleet of 65 Boeing 737-300, 700 and 800 aircraft, which provide high-level performance, adhere to all international safety rules and are certified by U.S. and Brazilian authorities to take off and land on short, wet or snow-covered runways.

The Brazilian no-frills airline chose to operate a standard fleet to ensure high-quality equipment maintenance in addition to guaranteeing passenger security.

The enhancements to the 737 SFP will increase seat capacity on the Sao Paulo-Rio de Janeiro shuttle route by approximately 30 percent.