Avelo Airlines Set to Enhance Fleet with Former GOL Linhas Aéreas 737NG Aircraft

Avelo Airlines, based in Burbank, is poised to expand its fleet by incorporating five Boeing B737NG aircraft formerly operated by GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes. The U.S. airline’s acquisition of these twinjets is aligned with its strategic growth plans, although the precise timeline for their integration into Avelo’s operations hinges on the progression of GOL’s Chapter 11 restructuring process in the United States.

While Avelo Airlines has confirmed the impending addition of the ex-GOL aircraft slated for later this year and into the next, specific details regarding their registrations or serial numbers remain undisclosed. Trevor Yealy, Avelo’s commercial chief, highlighted to Aviation Week that the delivery schedule is contingent upon GOL’s timely return of the airframes to the leasing company. Furthermore, Avelo is actively pursuing opportunities to augment its B737NG fleet beyond the initial five from GOL, having signed additional letters of intent.

GOL Linhas Aéreas, in response, indicated that there had been no direct negotiations with Avelo Airlines regarding the aircraft transition. The Brazilian airline is in the midst of modernizing its fleet by replacing B737NG models with the newer B737-8 variants, having welcomed five new B737-8 aircraft between December and January. The transition is part of GOL’s broader fleet strategy, as evidenced by the return of several B737-700s and B737-800s in 2023 and early 2024. GOL’s forthcoming 2023 financial results, expected in March, will offer further insights into the airline’s fleet dynamics amidst its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring initiated in January 2024.

The future composition of GOL’s fleet has sparked industry speculation, especially following reports of LATAM Airlines Brasil’s alleged attempts to secure B737 aircraft from GOL’s lessors. GOL’s current operational fleet comprises a mix of B737 models, predominantly leased, showcasing the airline’s reliance on leasing arrangements for its fleet management.

Avelo Airlines currently operates a 16-jet fleet, consisting of B737-700s and B737-800s, all leased from various leasing companies. The forthcoming integration of the former GOL B737NG aircraft signifies Avelo’s commitment to fleet enhancement and operational growth, reinforcing its position in the competitive aviation market.