BofA/Merrill analyst Roberto Ontero upgraded GOL Linhas to Buy with a $16.90 price target saying he expects strong earning momentum to continue to be driven by unit revenue performance and cost controls.

Azul's (AZUL) pursuit of a merger with Gol Linhas has gained momentum, with talks underway for a deal with the controlling shareholder of Gol, Rachel Gamarski, Erin Hudson and Giovanna Bellotti Azevedo of Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the matter. In one scenario under consideration, holding company Abra Group would contribute its Gol shares to Azul in exchange for a stake in the combined airline, a source told Bloomberg. That type of transaction could appeal to Azul because it wouldn't have to commit much cash, if any, the person said.