Virgin Atlantic opens up Brazil with GOL codeshare.

Virgin Atlantic and GOL are opening up Brazil with a codeshare agreement that will allow passengers on the UK airline’s forthcoming London-Sao Paolo service to connect to 37 destinations. GOL is Brazil’s biggest domestic carrier and connections will include leisure favorites such as surf hotspot Florianopolis, Amazon jungle launchpad Manaus and the pristine coastline of Recife. Popular business connections are expected to include capital Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and industrial hub Curitiba. The two carriers say they also intend to expand their codeshare to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay and expect to add reciprocal frequent flyer arrangements. READ our ratings for GOL. Virgin began selling tickets on its new Sao Paolo service on September 10 ahead of the inaugural flight on March 29, 2020. The daily service between London Heathrow will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 and will take just under 12 hours. The Dreamliner will come with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, 36 Economy Delight and 156 Economy Classic/Light seats. Wi-Fi is also available from £2.99. The two new partners are matching baggage allowances and luggage can be checked through to the ultimate destination. “GOL offers a leading route network and high-quality service and we’re thrilled to be able to connect even more customers thanks to our new partnership with Virgin Atlantic,” GOL senior vice president sales and distribution said. The codeshare announcement came as Virgin Atlantic’s new A350-1000 took to the skies with new sustainable amenity kits expected to save 945 tonnes of plastic a year. The “Goodie Bags” will be introduced across the airline’s fleet in both Upper Class and Premium cabins. Made from responsibly sourced, FSC certified recyclable kraft paper, the bags contain sustainable items such as  REN Clean Skincare products – including lip balm, hand cream and face cream, a full-size @Bambuubrush toothbrush, light-blocking satin eyeshades and contemporary socks. The airlines Upper Class sleepsuits have also undergone a complete makeover and are now ‘Loungewear’ made of a soft cotton-blend jersey fabric. “Available to all customers on night flights and on request on day flights, the new Loungewear comes in three sizes and with its new subtle design can easily be worn off the plane, through the airport and into your living room.,’’ the airline says. “With sustainability always in mind, the Loungewear comes in a reusable bag.”