Brazilian carrier GOL intends to return a total of 18 leased aircraft over the course of 2020, according to investor update released today ahead of the firm’s results later this month.
GOL has so far has grounded 120 aircraft, equivalent to 92% of its entire fleet, since March 28 and flights in April were 7% of the April 2019 schedule due to COVID 19 and the carrier said it expected to operate at only 12% of last year’s schedule.
As a result of this lower demand GOL returned seven B737-800 aircraft in 1Q20 and is planning to hand back another four B737-800s in the second quarter. In total GOL plans to return a total of 18 leased aircraft in 2020, and could potentially return up to 30 aircraft over 2021/22
GOL said it currently assessing a fleet reduction focused on its 23 B737-700s which makes up 15% of its total aircraft assets. Last month GOL cancelled 34 737 MAXs.