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IFC provides US$50 million to support GOLs Investment Plan
São Paulo, June 29, 2006 GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (NYSE: GOL and Bovespa: GOLL4), Brazils low-cost, low-fare airline, announces that its subsidiary Gol Transportes Aereos S.A. has entered into an agreement for a US$50 million long-term financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. The IFC financing will support GOLs investment in aircraft spare parts inventory and working capital requirements to meet the needs of its growing fleet.
This financing demonstrates IFCs commitment to provide long-term and stable funding diversification to Brazilian companies. IFCs partnership with GOL is a good example of our strategy in South America to support local businesses and help them expand their businesses nationally and regionally. In its brief history, GOL has made a significant contribution to the growth, connectivity, and efficiency of the Brazilian airline sector, which has resulted in substantial benefits to its customers and the Brazilian economy, said Francisco Tourreilles, IFCs director of infrastructure department. GOL is investing in an area critical to Brazils further economic development. The investment fits IFCs strategy to encourage private sector investment in infrastructure as a means to stimulate economic growth in Brazil, stated Saran Kebet-Koulibaly, IFCs Associate Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Country Manager for Brazil.
The IFC loan is an important financing source for our continued growth, and will help to fund the expansion of our fleet while further reducing our costs, stated Richard Lark, GOLs Chief Financial Officer. GOLs mission is to provide safe, high quality low-fare air transportation to passengers in Brazil and South America, and IFCs financial support is instrumental in our efforts to achieve this objective.
About GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, a low cost, low fare airline, is one of the most profitable and fastest growing airlines in the industry worldwide. GOL operates a simplified fleet with a single class of service. The Company has one of the
youngest and most modern fleets in the industry resulting in low maintenance, fuel and training costs, with high aircraft utilization and efficiency ratios. In addition, safe and reliable services, which stimulate GOLs brand recognition and
customer satisfaction, allow GOL to have the best value proposition in the market. GOL currently offers over 500 daily flights to 50 destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay with substantial expansion opportunities.
GOLs growth plans include increasing frequencies in existing markets and adding service to additional markets in both Brazil and other high-traffic South American travel destinations. GOLs shares are listed on the NYSE and the Bovespa.
GOL: here everyone can fly!
For more information, flight times and fares, please access our site at www.voegol.com.br or call: 0300-789-2121 in Brazil, 0810-266-3131 in Argentina, 800-1001-21 in Bolivia, 0004 055 127 in Uruguay, 009 800 55 1 0007 in Paraguay and 55 11 2125-3200 in other countries.
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CONTACT: GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A.
Ph: (5511) 5033 4393
e-mail: ri@golnaweb.com.br
www.voegol.com.br/ir
This release contains forward-looking statements relating to the prospects of the business, estimates for operating and financial results, and those related to growth prospects of GOL. These are merely projections and, as such, are based exclusively on the expectations of GOLs management concerning the future of the business and its continued access to capital to fund the Companys business plan. Such forward-looking statements depend, substantially, on changes in market conditions, government regulations, competitive pressures, the performance of the Brazilian economy and the industry, among other factors and risks disclosed in GOLs filed disclosure documents and are, therefore, subject to change without prior notice.
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GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES S.A.
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By: |
/S/
Richard F. Lark, Jr. | |
Name: Richard F. Lark, Jr.
Title: Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer
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This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates offuture economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.