GOL signs agreement with GE for consultancy aimed at saving fuel and reducing emissions

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (BM&FBovespa: GOLL4 and NYSE: GOL), (S&P/Fitch: BB-/BB-, Moody`s: Ba3), the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America, announced it has signed an agreement with GE Aviation PBN Services for consultancy aimed at saving fuel and reducing gas emissions.

Under the agreement, GE will assist GOL to obtain permission from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) for operating procedures with RNP (Required Navigation Performance), with the objective of reducing noise, saving fuel and, consequently, the emissions of gases in the atmosphere.

"GOL has selected GE for this project due to its successful track record in developing and implementing programs to optimize performance throughout the world," said Adalberto Bogsan, GOL’s vice-president - Technical. "With its services, GOL may expand its operations quickly and safely, reducing emissions and fuel consumption."

“We are very pleased to establish such an important partnership with GOL. It is a significant step for civil aviation in Brazil, which, in the very near future, will have available high-tech solutions, such as RNP AR, maximizing the use of airspace in the country, bringing huge savings in fuel consumption and reducing noise generation and emissions," said Sérgio Zuquim, Director – PBN (Performance Based Navigation) Business Development, Latin America.

RNP also allows aircraft to fly precisely-defined trajectories without relying on ground-based radio-navigation signals. This precision allows pilots to land the aircraft in weather conditions that would otherwise require them to hold, divert to another airport, or even to cancel the flight before departure. Because of RNP’s precision and reliability, the technology can also help air traffic controllers reduce flight delays and alleviate air traffic congestion.

Additional measures

GOL has also recently signed a five-year OnPoint Services agreement with GE Aviation Systems for repair services. This is the first comprehensive GE agreement covering all B737NG systems.