Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has confirmed Lisbon and Paris as its inaugural long-haul destinations, operating nonstop from Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport (GIG) with Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. These routes mark the airline’s entry into intercontinental operations after 25 years focused on domestic and regional services.
The Lisbon service will launch on September 16 with four weekly roundtrips, while Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) schedules remain pending announcement. Both will utilize A330neos seating nearly 300 passengers, featuring the new Insignia business class with lie-flat seats, 16-inch inflight entertainment screens, priority services, and cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Felipe Bronze. Initial long-haul flights to New York JFK begin July 8 using A330s from sister airline Wamos Air under ACMI lease, transitioning to GOL’s own five A330neos delivered progressively through 2026-2027.
Rio de Janeiro serves as the hub for this expansion, complementing existing bases in São Paulo Guarulhos and others, enabling connections from over 30 Brazilian destinations. The A330neos offer a 7,200-nautical-mile range, modern air filtration, and fuel-efficient engines. Cargo operations via GOLLOG will provide 20 tons capacity per flight. Lisbon and Paris routes target markets with 137,000 and 135,000 two-way passengers from Rio in 2025, competing against TAP Air Portugal and Air France.
Orlando joins as another A330neo destination with four weekly flights, building on existing 737 MAX services from Brasília and Fortaleza. GOL’s parent Abra Group ordered seven A330neos total, allocating five to the carrier.