Gol launches its first Europe route with Rio de Janeiro–Lisbon service

Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes started direct flights between Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon on Wednesday, the carrier's first route to Europe.

The service is initially operated by an Airbus A330 from Wamos Air, which also belongs to the Abra Group. It begins with four weekly frequencies, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A fifth weekly flight will be added from 24 November, when Tuesday operations begin.

The launch also introduces INSIGNIA by Gol, the airline's premium cabin product, on the transatlantic route. Features include priority check-in and boarding, access to Gol Smiles lounges and partner facilities at select destinations such as Lisbon and New York, seats that convert into full flat beds, an amenity kit with Granado products, noise-cancelling headphones, a 16-inch individual touchscreen entertainment system, and priority disembarkation and baggage delivery.

Gol described the route as a key step in its international growth plan. Mateus Pongeluppi, the airline's commercial vice president, said the long-haul Lisbon–Rio de Janeiro route is a milestone in Gol's 25-year history, and that entering Europe opens a promising path for the company's expansion on the continent with the support of the Abra Group.