GOL completes first A330neo certification flights between Rio and Lisbon

GOL Linhas Aéreas has completed its first simulated international round-trip flight using an Airbus A330-900neo. The flights, conducted between Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport and Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, were part of a certification process to allow the airline to operate widebody aircraft for long-haul services.

The aircraft, registered as PS-WGH, carried only company employees and representatives from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to evaluate technical and cabin crew procedures. The outbound flight (G39684) took approximately 9 hours and 19 minutes, while the return flight (G39685) took 9 hours and 17 minutes.

The A330-900 is a leased aircraft from Avolon and will serve as a training tool until GOL’s permanent fleet arrives. Once its training role is complete, the aircraft is scheduled to be transferred to Avianca, a fellow member of the Abra Group. GOL plans to integrate five A330neo aircraft into its fleet to expand international operations with improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.