American Airlines puts unconventional partnerships to the test

The decision by American Airlines and GOL to deepen their partnership is hardly surprising, and more of an evolution of their relationship as the chess pieces in Latin America are placed in position.

After being caught off guard when Delta forged a relationship with LATAM Airlines Group in 2019, American is now solidifying its position in Latin America, and is willing to pay to maintain its strength in the region - evidenced by its decision to invest in both GOL and the ultra-low cost carrier JetSMART.

The move reflects American's recent decisions to forge what could be deemed unconventional partnerships, which in part have resulted from a certain level of necessity.

But this could also be a scenario where, ultimately, necessity is indeed the mother of invention.