Gol acquires regional operator MAP for R$28 million

Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol will acquire compatriot and regional operator MAP Linhas Aéreas, in a R$28m ($5.56m) deal that will give Gol a boost in its domestic network. The acquisition — announced late 8 June — comes as Gol taps into “unparalleled market opportunity for rational consolidation” in the country’s airline market, which has been battered by the coronavirus outbreak. Gol CE Paulo Kakinoff adds that the move is also part of broader airline strategy “of expanding network and capacity, as we look to revitalise air travel demand among leisure and business passengers”. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to grow Gol’s presence at Sao Paolo Congonhas airport, the country’s largest domestic gateway, as well as at Manaus airport. MAP serves the country’s south and south-west through Congonhas, while it operates to the Amazon region via Manaus. Gol discloses that post-merger, its Congonhas capacity is expect to grow about 10%, with the additional of 26 daily flights from the airport. “Thus, the company will be able to serve new destinations connecting South America’s largest city to historically underserved domestic markets, as the restrictions resulting from the pandemic are reduced or eliminated,” Gol adds. <br/>