GOL Linhas Aéreas received the fiftieth Boeing 737 MAX 8 in its fleet, which was registered as PS-GOL to highlight the importance of this aircraft in its fleet modernization plan. The aircraft arrived at Belo Horizonte International Airport on December 11.
According to our associated site AEROIN, the aircraft, with manufacturing number (MSN) 44,025, was originally set to arrive in Brazil registered as PS-GRD. However, GOL decided to change it shortly before its arrival. This aircraft is eight months old, whereas the two 737 MAX units previously received are only four months old.
André Cruz, GOL’s Vice President of Fleet, Supplies, and GOLLOG, stated that «The arrival of the 50th MAX is very significant for GOL. We will continue to work towards sustainably renewing our fleet with aircraft models that contribute to a more efficient operation.»
The aircraft departed on Tuesday, December 10, from Boeing’s facilities in Seattle, bound for Belo Horizonte International Airport (CNF), with a technical stop in Punta Cana (PUJ). The 737 MAX will remain in Confins until the aircraft importation procedures are completed.
The arrival of the 50th Boeing 737 MAX 8 in GOL’s fleet highlights the fleet modernization plan the airline has pursued since 2018, with the arrival of its first 737 MAX. So far in 2024, GOL has received six units of this model, also experiencing delivery delays caused by quality control issues in the production of these aircraft.
The Brazilian airline’s plan was to end 2022 with a total of 44 Boeing 737 MAX 8 in its fleet. However, between entering Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and ongoing delivery delays by the manufacturer, it was only by mid-2024 that GOL reached 44 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
In addition, in October 2022, GOL signed an agreement to receive 12 Boeing 737 MAX 10 units between 2027 and 2030. However, this plan also faces an uncertain future, as production of the largest 737 ever built remains suspended due to quality issues.
GOL has a fleet of 134 aircraft consisting of:
- 12 Boeing 737-700;
- 73 Boeing 737-800;
- 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8.
