American Airlines has announced a new codeshare with GOL. At the same time, American is upping key services out of Miami. This will enable greater connectivity across both American and GOL's network. In addition, this will also help expand American's footprint in South America after LATAM announced an enhanced partnership with Delta Air Lines.

American announces a new codeshare with GOL

After some speculation, American and GOL have now announced a new codeshare agreement. This agreement will allow passengers on either airline to connect onto the partner aircraft in key hubs.

American Airlines passengers will have access to 53 flights on GOL aircraft out of GOL operating bases in Sao Paulo - Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro - Galeao, Brasilia, Manaus, and Fortaleza. Combined, this gives American an expansive reach, with connections across Brazil. In addition, this also adds new destinations including Asuncion in Paraguay, Curitiba in Brazil, and Foz do Iguacu in Brazil.

In addition, American and GOL expect to have reciprocal frequent-flier benefits within the first half of 2020. This will allow passengers of either airline's mileage accrual programs to earn and spend miles on either airline's flights.

American Airlines adding a new frequency to South America

Alongside this codeshare agreement, American Airlines will add a new flight from Miami to Rio de Janeiro - Galeao (GIG). This new flight will be the second daily service between the two cities. American will operate this flight from January 7th through March 28th, 2021. This will be on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. American also notes that this will be one of the first routes out of Miami on an American Airlines Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Why this matters for American and GOL

American's SVP of Network Strategy, Vasu Raja, had the following to say on this new announcement:

"We have a long and rich history in South America, and this new relationship with GOL further enhances our presence in the region. Our customers will continue to have access to places they’ve always loved to travel on American like Rio, Sao Paulo and Brasilia, and will gain access to new destinations on their wish list. We’ll continue to evaluate our network and seek strategic partnerships that benefit our customers and enhance our network."

And, GOL's CEO, Paulo Kakinoff, had the following to add:

"As two of the leading airlines in Brazil and the U.S., GOL and American Airlines will offer the best experience for customers on the largest number of flights and destinations in the Americas. This will strengthen GOL’s presence in international markets and accelerate our long-term growth."

Both American and GOL were rocked when Delta and LATAM announced a partnership. American was losing a valued international partner while GOL was losing a big partner in the United States– granted Delta did not offer much for GOL out of Miami. However, American expressed resiliency in held faith in the South American market. The airline boosted key frequencies to South America and held a valuable connecting hub in Miami to help supplement those flights. Now, with this new partnership with GOL, American has a new South American partner in a huge market– Brazil– and to several other points in South America. From Miami, GOL flies to Brasilia and Fortaleza. Although, due to the global 737 MAX groundings, GOL has suspended service between Fortaleza and Miami. In addition, GOL's Brasilia flight makes a technical stop in Punta Cana. However, once GOL can resume nonstop flights, this will give the carrier a host of new opportunities to offer one-stop connections from Brazil to the United States.

American adds new flights out of Miami

In addition to launching a new codeshare with GOL, American is also going big in Miami with the addition of 12 new flights from June 4, 2020. Here are the following routes on which American will increase service:

• Nashville (BNA): One new daily service to Nashville on a Boeing 737-800. Overall, four daily services in summer 2020.
• Boston (BOS): One new daily service to Boston on a Boeing 737-800. Overall, eight daily services in summer 2020.
• Houston (IAH): One new daily service to Houston on a Boeing 737-800. Overall, six daily service in summer 2020.
• Orlando (MCO): Five new daily services to Orlando. Three on Boeing 737-800s and one daily each on a Boeing 757 and Airbus A319. Overall, 12 daily services in summer 2020
• Raleigh-Durham (RDU): Two new daily services to Raleigh. One on an Airbus A319 and one on a Boeing 737-800. Overall, five daily services in summer 2020
• Tampa (TPA): Two new daily services to Tampa. One on a Boeing 737-800 and one on an Airbus A319. Overall, eight daily flights in summer 2020.

Why is American adding new flights?

These new routes come after rival Delta Air Lines announced new routes out of Miami. Here's how American will respond:

• Orlando: Delta will start five new daily flights, American added five new daily flights
• Raleigh-Durham: Delta will start two new daily flights, American will add two new daily flights.
• Tampa: Delta will start five new daily flights to Tampa, American has added two new daily flights

The only city that Delta added which American did not is Salt Lake City. However, since that is a major Delta hub, it likely would not create a lot of traffic for American Airlines. On the other routes, American is increasing capacity using mainline aircraft while Delta is adding service on ERJ-175 regional jets operated under the Delta Connection banner. This is, in part, a move on American's part to keep itself in a strong position in Miami. And, these new connections will continue to help American and GOL fill planes out of Miami.

Overall

These two new moves are part of a broader move of American Airlines not willing to cede ground to competitors. South America has been a strong market for American and the airline hopes to keep it that way for a long time. Ultimately, this new partnership will give both GOL and American new opportunities to connect passengers across the United States and Brazil. And, American's added flights will allow the airline to offer an even stronger connecting hub in Miami. Will you take advantage of this new codeshare between American and GOL? Will you fly on any of American's new flights out of Miami? Let us know in the comments!