SAO PAULO, Brazil, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GOL Linhas Aereas
Inteligentes S.A. (NYSE: GOL; Bovespa: GOLL4), the parent company of Brazilian
airlines GOL Transportes Aereos S.A. and VRG Linhas Aereas S.A., announces
that the Company has revised its fleet plan to continue its fleet renewal and
modernization strategy in accordance with its disciplined growth plan.
The Company reviewed and adjusted its fleet plan to better adapt to recent
fuel price increases and higher competition in the air transportation
industry, while also accelerating its fleet renewal program (announced in
December 2007) and improving its low-cost structure. In addition to
operational changes to reduce fuel consumption, such as reducing cruise flight
speed and shutting down one engine after landing, the Company is reducing its
capacity growth.
In the third and fourth quarters 2008, consolidated domestic ASKs are
projected to be approximately 8.0 and 8.1 billion, respectively, a 5%
sequential reduction and a 1% sequential increase, respectively. In the
international market, consolidated ASKs are projected to be approximately 1.6
billion for the third and fourth quarters 2008. For 2008, total ASKs are
projected to be approximately 41.0 billion, 32.5 billion in the domestic
market, and 8.5 billion in the international market, a 5% reduction versus the
Company's previous guidance.
The Company has reduced its fleet plan by two leased 737-800s in 2008. For
2009, the fleet plan has reduced by five leased 737-800s. The fleet
modernization plan guarantees that GOL's fleet will maintain its status as one
of the youngest and most modern in the world. By the end of 2008, it is
expected that the fleet will be comprised entirely of Boeing 737 NGs, reducing
the average age of the fleet to 5.6 years. At the end of 2012, 65 percent of
the fleet will be comprised of 737-800 SFP aircraft, reducing the average age
to 5.5 years. The table below details the revised fleet plan through 2014:
SOURCE GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A.
IR, +(5511) 3169-6800, ri@golnaweb.com.br, or Media, +(5511) 3169-6967,
comcorp@golnaweb.com.br
