Profitability eludes Brazil’s Gol for a third consecutive year and a turnaround still looks distant

A restructuring undertaken by Brazil's second largest carrier Gol at the beginning of 2012, underpinned by domestic capacity reductions, bore some fruit in key financial and operational metrics during 2013. But profitability remains elusive for the once high-flying airline as it recorded its third consecutive annual loss in 2013.

Gol did shrink its losses in 2013 as rationalising supply with demand within Brazil helped the airline gain traction in its revenue and yield performance. But the major challenge that has plagued Gol for more than year - weakness of the BRL against the USD - shows no sign of abating in 2014. Gol also expects fuel costs to rise in 2014, further pressuring its financial results.

Even with the overhang of the all-too-familiar currency and fuel cost challenges, Gol is making network changes that reflect the still tenuous environment in Brazil. It is continuing to expand its international network with a planned resumption of service to Santiago and aims to introduce service to Miami from Campinas through Santo Domingo. The airline is also receiving a cash infusion from Air France-KLM, increasing its ties to the SkyTeam Alliance.