Air France-KLM and Brazilian carrier GOL have agreed to extend an existing partnership that provides reciprocal exclusivity on traffic flows between Europe and Brazil.

First introduced in 2014 following a $100 million investment by the European airline group, the commercial partnership had been previously renewed in 2019 and will now be extended for a further 10 years.

Under the terms of this agreement, both parties will grant each other exclusivity on routes between Europe and Brazil, and enhance their commercial cooperation. 

The agreement also includes expanded code-sharing, enhanced joint sales activities and reciprocal benefits for members of Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue and GOL’s SMILES frequent flyer programmes. 

The deal covers more than 125 destinations – or 99 per cent of the demand between Brazil and Europe, according to the carriers – with one in five passengers travelling to Brazil with Air France and KLM connecting to a GOL flight. 

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance will also continue to provide GOL with engine maintenance support.

Commenting on the partnership, Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith said South America “is one of the most strategic markets” for the group.

“The historical partnership between Air France-KLM and GOL has been instrumental in allowing us to provide our customers with a comprehensive and broad value proposition in the region.

“This new agreement will allow us to implement the necessary structural enhancements to ensure Air France-KLM and GOL’s leadership position between Brazil and Europe,” he said.

GOL CEO Celso Ferrer added: “We are proud to celebrate another decade of partnership, and I believe it crowns a long and successful history by including key elements such as the credit line for engine overhauls. 

“I reinforce that GOL is deeply committed to support and help to strengthen the Brazil-Europe corridor, and we have no doubt Air France-KLM is the best partner to achieve that.”

During the 2023 winter season Air France will operate 24 weekly flights to Brazil – 14 to Sao Paulo, seven to Rio de Janeiro and three to Fortaleza – while KLM will operate seven weekly services to both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.