Last week, GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (GOL) announced the adoption of Travelport’s Interline E-ticket Interchange, a technological platform that facilitates the control and operational functioning of its airline agreements. Additionally, the company extended its agreements with three main global distribution systems: Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport.
 
The technology used by Travelport’s Interline E-ticket Interchange will allow the company to issue tickets globally, even if the partner airline employs the traditional e-ticket model. Another product from this technology provider, ETDBase, allows GOL Linhas to build a latest-generation e-ticket database, allowing it to store and control e-tickets issued by its partners. Sales of itineraries comprising GOL Linhas flights only retain the current ticketless model, one of the company’s low-cost management pillars.
 
With these technological products, the company has the advantages of additional sales channels through airline alliances, while at the same time it will be able to retain efficient cost controls.
 
Additionally, GOL Linhas has 5 ongoing codeshare agreements with AirFrance/KLM, American Airlines, Iberia, Aeromexico and Copa Airlines, and 60 interline agreements. These strategic partnerships will account for an increasing share of the ticket sales
The company has also expanded the reach and connectivity of its distribution network by joining or geographically expanding the main global distribution systems (Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport), with products and distribution systems that keep sales expenses down and improve connectivity with the company’s reservation system.
 
GOL Linhas remains well positioned to capitalize on the growth of discount air travel in Brazil and the rest of Latin America, given its strong market position and efficient operations. Favorable trends in fuel prices and exchange rates are also benefiting the company’s outlook.
 
Although competitive pressures and the impact of the global financial crisis are a source of concern, GOL’s position is strong. We expect the company to experience growth in the short to medium term given its continued investment in fleet renovation and international agreements.
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