“This partnership is inspired by the successful cooperation since 2011 between Gol and Delta Airlines, primary partner of Air France-KLM,” explains Air France-KLM president Alexandre de Juniac.
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic games both being held in Brazil, the ability to conduct flights to and from Brazil will be a great boon for the European airline, already one of the largest in the world.
A large portion of the agreement consisted of an investment of 100 million dollars in the Brazilian airline, reports Le Monde.
Air France-KLM, itself an alliance between Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines had already been offering several flights to and from Brazil as a result of a less extensive agreement with Gol signed in 2009.
The Brazilian airline was founded as recently as 2001, but already controls 40% of the Brazilian market, with flights out of 50 Brazilian cities and 15 in other counties, including Miami, New York (JFK), and Orlando in the United Sates. It also has partnerships with several other airlines including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which have allowed it to extend its reach internationally.
It remains to be seen how other international airlines will modify their programs in preparation for the expected dramatic increase in demand for travel to Brazil.