GOL starts new e-commerce partnership with 737-800BCFs

Brazilian airline GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes plans to invest in up to 12 Boeing converted freighters (BCFs) as part of a new e-commerce partnership.

GOL’s logistics business GOLLOG, which operates cargo services for 52 airports and more than 3,900 destinations in Brazil, has signed an agreement with Mercado Livre, which operates marketplaces for e-commerce and online auctions.

The contract between the companies has a duration of 10 years, provides for a dedicated fleet of freighters composed of six Boeing 737-800 BCF and should start operations during the second half of the year. There is also the option to add another six cargo aircraft by 2025.

Air Cargo News has contacted GOL for confirmation on whether the 737-800BCFs will be converted from GOL’s own fleet or be purchased, and which company will be undertaking the conversions.

Paulo Kakinoff, chief executive of GOL, said: “Our cargo operation opens an exciting new chapter for GOL and GOLLOG, as it integrate our lowest cost airline synergies in the region with the needs of the Mercado Livre, the largest e-commerce platform in Latin America.”

GOL’s contract with Mercado Livre expands on the company’s ambition to meet the needs of the growing Brazilian e-commerce market. GOLLOG plans to expand its range of services and increase its available capacity in tonnes during 2023 to generate additional incremental revenue from approximately R$100m in 2022, and more than R$1.0bn in the next five years.

Fernando Yunes, vice president senior at Mercado Livre in Brazil, said: “We are very optimistic about our agreement with the GOL, and we see this as fundamental in strengthening our growth path in ecommerce and in our regional expansion strategy.”

He added: “With this partnership, we will increase the number of direct flights from São Paulo to the North and Northeast, reducing delivery time by up to 80%. Delivery time to Manaus will be just one day, compared to the current nine days, while for destinations in Northeast this period will decrease from four to one day. Other capitals, such as Goiânia and Cuiabá, will start to receive their orders the next day.”

Rebecca Jeffrey  www.aircargonews.net & GOL