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GOL commences Project to establish LCC in Mexico
São Paulo, July 5, 2005 GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (NYSE: GOL and Bovespa: GOLL4), Brazils low-fare, low-cost airline, today announced that it has signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding with Inversiones y Técnicas Aeroportuarias, S.A. de CV, Fernando Chico Pardo and CPH setting forth the Companys intent to establish a low-cost carrier (LCC) based in Mexico. Inversiones y Técnicas Aeroportuarias is known for investing in aviation-related ventures.
GOL and its Mexican partners have initiated plans to create a Mexican LCC based on the model GOL currently operates in Brazil. GOL launched its innovative low-cost, low-fare service in Brazil in January 2001, and is now the countrys second largest domestic airline, transporting over one million passengers per month.
The Mexican domestic civil aviation market transports almost 30 million passengers per year, and is the second largest in Latin America after Brazil. The Mexican domestic air travel market has many similarities to the Brazilian market, including large, under-served cities, extensive geographic distances and traditionally high fares.
Through our Mexican partnership, we plan to introduce the benefits of low-cost, low-fare air travel to Mexico, and collaborate in the development of the local airline sector. We believe that the GOL concept and business model can be successfully established in the Mexican market and produce benefits for all segments of the population, said Constantino de Oliveira Junior, GOLs CEO.
Over the coming months, GOL and its Mexican partners will work to complete a shareholders agreement and begin applying for the necessary licenses to own, manage and operate an LCC in Mexico, as set forth in Mexican Aviation Law and other applicable regulations. Plans are to commence flights in the Mexican market in the second quarter of 2006.
About GOL Linhas Aéreas
Inteligentes
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, a low-cost, low-fare airline, is
one of the most profitable and fastest growing airlines in the industry worldwide.
GOL operates a simplified fleet with a single class of service. It also has one of
the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry that results in low
maintenance, fuel and training costs, with high aircraft utilization and efficiency
ratios. In addition, safe and reliable services, which stimulate GOLs brand
recognition and customer satisfaction, allow GOL to have the best value proposition in
the market. GOL currently offers over 350 daily flights to 42 major business and travel
destinations in Brazil and Argentina, with substantial expansion opportunities. In
2005, GOL plans to grow by increasing frequencies in existing markets and adding
service to additional markets in both Brazil and other high-traffic South American
travel destinations. GOL listed its shares on the NYSE and the Bovespa in June 2004.
For more information, flight times and fares, please access our site at
www.voegol.com.br or call 0300-789-2121 in Brazil,
0810-266-3131 in Argentina, or 55 11 2125-3200 from overseas. GOL: Here everyone can
fly!
Investor Relations: | ||
Ph: (5511) 5033 4393 | ||
e-mail: ri@golnaweb.com.br | ||
www.voegol.com.br (IR section) | ||
or | ||
Media - US: | Media - Brazil, Latin America and Europe: | |
Gavin Anderson & Company | MVL Comunicação | |
Gabriela Juncadella | Juliana Cabrini or Roberta Corbioli | |
Ph: 212-515-1957 | Ph: (5511) 3049-0343 / 0341 | |
e-mail: gjuncadella@gavinanderson.com | e-mail: juliana.cabrini@mvl.com.br |
This release contains forward-looking statements relating to the prospects of the business, estimates for operating and financial results, and those related to growth prospects of GOL. These are merely projections and, as such, are based exclusively on the expectations of GOLs management concerning the future of the business and its continued access to capital to fund the Companys business plan. Such forward-looking statements depend, substantially, on changes in market conditions, government regulations, competitive pressures, the performance of the Brazilian economy and the industry, among other factors and risks disclosed in GOLs filed disclosure documents and are, therefore, subject to change without prior notice.
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
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By: |
/S/
Richard F. Lark, Jr.
| |
Name: Richard F. Lark, Jr.
Title: Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer
|
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates offuture economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.