GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (G3, São Paulo Congonhas) is considering at least a doubling of its planned widebody fleet as it prepares to launch a broader long-haul network beyond the five A330-900Ns it has already committed to leasing from Avolon.

Chief executive Celso Ferrer said the Brazilian carrier is looking to expand its future widebody fleet to "at least a low double-digit number" as it accelerates its transformation from a predominantly domestic airline into a long-haul operator, according to comments made during an event in New York following the launch of the carrier's first long-haul service.

"We are looking for more planes to play with soon," Ferrer said, adding that the airline's long-haul ambitions are only the "beginning" for GOL and parent Abra Group.

The airline launched nonstop flights between Rio de Janeiro International and New York JFK on July 8 using a wet-leased A330-200 from sister carrier Wamos Air (EB, Madrid Barajas). The aircraft, EC-NBN (msn 818), arrived in GOL's livery shortly before the route's inauguration and is configured with 280 seats.

The wet lease bridges the gap until GOL begins taking delivery of its five leased A330-900Ns from Avolon, with the first aircraft expected by the end of 2026. The carrier plans to use the fleet to operate to JFK, Lisbon, Orlando International, and Paris CDG.

According to Ferrer, all five A330-900Ns will be required to operate those four routes, meaning additional aircraft will be necessary to support any further long-haul expansion.

GOL has not disclosed whether it is seeking additional A330-900Ns or another widebody type. Within Abra Group, avianca airlines operates both A330s and B787s, while Wamos Air also flies A330s.

The Brazilian airline currently operates a fleet of 144 aircraft comprising twelve B737-700s, fifty-seven B737-8s, sixty-six B737-800s, and nine B737-800(BCF)s. Its entry into the widebody market marks a significant shift from its historical all-B737 strategy as it seeks to compete more directly with LATAM Airlines Group and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras on long-haul international routes.