GOL Passes the 20 Million Passenger Milestone

GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes, Brazil's low-cost airline, passed the 20 million passenger milestone in August. Since the launch of operations in January 2001, the company says it's recorded continuous and increasing growth rates in both the number of passengers and aircraft efficiency. In 2002, GOL transported 4.8 million passengers, 232% more than in 2001 (2.1 million). Last year, 7.3 million passengers flew GOL and, in the first half of 2004, GOL has already transported 5.2 million passengers.

Due to the acquisition of new airplanes, the launch of new routes - Porto Velho (RO) and Rio Branco (AC) -- and recent authorization for regular flights to Joinville (SC), Uberlandia (MG), Ribeirao Preto (SP) and Buenos Aires (Argentina), GOL expects more growth in passengers, load factor and market share. In July, GOL's aircraft utilization surpassed 14 block hours.

"After only 3 years and 7 months of operations, reaching the milestone of 20 million passengers transported is a great accomplishment for GOL," commented Tarcisio Gargioni, Marketing and Services Vice-President. "In the early days, many thought we were crazy to create an airline without paper tickets or conventional catering and in-flight service. Today, we have demonstrated the efficiency of our business model. We have become an important player in the Brazilian industry," added Mr. Gargioni.

FMI: www.voegol.com.br