Brazil’s GOL Reports Delays Due to Crew Processing System Change

GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. suffered delays on its route network due to a change in the configuration of the system for processing pilot and flight attendant rosters, leading to some crew members reaching their flying-hour limit early last week. Operations were back to normal by the end of the week and the company expects a continuous improvement in its regularity and punctuality indicators throughout the next few days.

According National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) Chairman and President Solange Vieira, the situation in Brazilian airports were back to normal, with no delays by Thursday. The airline issued a statement apologizing to customers on Friday.

Vieira said in his statement that operations were back to normal, within the standards laid down by the ANAC. “During the period of the delays, we did everything possible to minimize the problem and accommodate affected passengers on other flights, in addition to providing accommodation and meals whenever needed,” Vieira said. “The regrettable situation was caused by a change in the system for processing flight crew rosters, but we have already implemented the necessary remedial measures. We apologize most sincerely to our clients and would like to thank all our employees for their dedication to getting our operations back to normal as quickly as possible.”

“Not only do we regret the inconvenience caused, but we are fully committed to redoubling our efforts to repay the trust of our customers,” he said. “We carry the highest number of passengers in Brazil and, thanks to our continuous efforts, we have also been the country’s most punctual airline for some months. On each of our 860 daily flights, we seek to provide our customers and crew with the most rigorous safety, comfort and service conditions. In 2009 and 2010, the company was inspected by the regulatory agency in relation to excess crew workload and was approved on every occasion. The safety of our employees and customers is part of our mission and one of our core values.”