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Varig has merged with Gol Airlines
Unfortunately, Varig ceased operations in 1990. But, don't worry. The airline is now part of GOL Airlines. You can find out more on GOL Airlines and search for flights on GOL by clicking on the logo below or by using the search form at the top of the page.
About Varig
Varig was a Brazillian airline that operated both domestic and international flights between 1927–2006. It was the first airline founded in Brazil and for many years, was the leading airline in Brazil. Over the years, the airline flew all across the world, offering intercontinental flights to every continent excluding Oceania. For most of the time that it was active, it was the only airline in Brazil to offer international flights.
After years of decline and competition from other Brazillian airlines, Varig filed for bankruptcy in 2005. After its bankruptcy, the airline was auctioned off in two separate airlines, the 'old' Varig and the 'new' Varig. The 'old' Varig was acquired and rebranded as Flex Linhas Aéreas, which has since ceased operations. The 'new' Varig was acquired by GOL Airlines, which now owns the brand of the airline.
Frequent Flyer Program
Until July 20, 2006, Smiles served as Varig's frequent flyer program, offering various benefits to its members. Points earned through Smiles could be redeemed for services provided by Varig, its subsidiaries, and its partners within the Star Alliance network. When Gol Airlines acquired the "new Varig" package, they also acquired 'Smiles' as part of the deal. Gol Airlines honoured all existing miles earned by Smiles members, ensuring a smooth transition. Over time, Smiles evolved into Gol's independent frequent flyer program, catering specifically to Gol Airlines' customers.
Alternatives to Varig
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Fleet
Over the years, Varig used more than 427 aircraft, with a mix of models from all different manufacturers.
- Airbus A300-B4-203
- Beechcraft 99 Airliner
- Boeing 707-320/320C
- Boeing 707-441
- Boeing 727-100
- Boeing 737-200
- Boeing 737-300
- Boeing 737-400
- Boeing 737-500
- Boeing 737-700
- Boeing 737-800
- Boeing 747-200
- Boeing 747-300/300 Combi
- Boeing 747-400
- Boeing 757-200
- Boeing 767-200/200ER
- Boeing 767-300ER
- Boeing 777-200ER
- CANT Z.1012
- Convair 240
- Convair 340/440
- Convair 990A
- Curtiss C-46/Super C-46 Commando
- de Havilland DH 89 Dragon Rapide
- Dornier Do J Wal
- Dornier Merkur
- Douglas DC-3/C-47
- Douglas DC-6B
- Douglas DC-8-33
- Fairchild Hiller FH-227B
- Fiat G.2
- Focke-Wulf Fw 58C Weihe
- Hawker Siddeley HS 748 (Avro)
- Junkers A-50 Junior
- Junkers F.13 ke
- Junkers Ju 52/3m
- Klemm L-25
- Lockheed L-10 A/E Electra
- Lockheed L-1049G/H Super Constellation
- Lockheed L-188 A/C Electra
- McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30
- McDonnell Douglas MD-11
- Messerschmitt Bf-108 Taifun
- Messerschmitt M-20B
- Morane-Saulnier 130
- Nieuport-Delage 641
- Noorduyn C-64 Norseman
- Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle I (III)
Hub Airport
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport
Rio de Janeiro-Galeāo International Airport (GIG) is an international airport in Brazil and was the hub airport for Varig. It is the main airport in Rio de Janeiro and the second busiest airport in the country, handling more than 15 million passengers each year.
Varig used Galeão International as its hub for the majority of the time that it was active. Today, the only airline to be based at the airport is GOL.