Gol, a Brazilian airline, has announced that it will begin offering long-haul flights to New York JFK from Rio de Janeiro Galeao airport starting July 8th. This marks the first time Gol will operate long-haul flights and will be done using the new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

The decision to add long-haul flights comes after Abra Group, a Latin American airline holding firm, stated that it will position five of its seven A330neos at Gol. This also marks the first time Gol will add widebody aircraft to its all-Boeing 737 narrowbody fleet.

Gol’s CEO, Celso Ferrer, shared on social media that this marks a new chapter for the airline as it expands to become an “intercontinental company”, connecting Brazil to Europe and North America. The airline already operates over 30 domestic and international routes from Galeao airport.

Abra Group, which also owns Avianca, has not specified when the deliveries of the A330neos will begin. However, they have stated that Wamos Air, another carrier within the group that operates A330s, will support Gol during its international expansion.

This is not the first time Gol has ventured into long-haul flights. In 2007, the airline briefly operated Boeing 767s after acquiring struggling Brazilian carrier Varig. However, this will be the first time Gol will have widebody aircraft as a permanent part of their fleet.

The A330neo, which stands for “new engine option”, is a modern and fuel-efficient aircraft that is popular among many airlines. It offers a spacious cabin and state-of-the-art technology, making it a great addition to Gol’s fleet.

Gol’s decision to offer long-haul flights to New York JFK is a strategic move to expand its international presence and cater to the growing demand for travel between Brazil and North America. With the addition of A330neos, Gol is set to become a major player in the international market and provide its customers with a comfortable and reliable travel experience.