Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas, historically an all-Boeing 737 operator, will introduce widebody aircraft for the first time with five Airbus A330-900neos leased from Avolon via parent company Abra Group. Deliveries are scheduled in phases through 2026 and 2027, with options for two more units, totaling up to seven.
The A330-900neo offers a range of 7,200 nautical miles and seats around 290-300 passengers in a three-class layout, including business class and adapted lavatories for passengers with reduced mobility. Primarily based at São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU), the aircraft will support new long-haul routes to the United States and Europe.
Announced routes include Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to New York JFK starting July 2026, followed by Paris and Lisbon later in the year. Potential destinations encompass Miami, Orlando, London, Rome, and Porto. GOL CEO Celso Ferrer stated, “With the introduction of widebody operations, we are taking another step forward in our evolution – expanding our horizons and creating new products and services for our customers.”
Abra Group CEO Adrian Neuhauser noted, “With the new A330neo aircraft operated by GOL, we will explore long-haul markets from Brazil – this is highly strategic for Abra.” Airbus Latin America President Arturo Barreira added that the selection supports GOL’s international expansion. The two remaining A330-900neos go to Avianca, enhancing Abra’s regional connectivity amid hundreds of narrowbody orders.
This move ends GOL’s single-aisle exclusivity in mainline operations, previously limited to charters with a Boeing 767.