SAO PAULO, Nov 8 (Reuters) - A Brazilian

government-backed credit line for struggling airlines should be

ready by early 2025, helping the industry ride out a bumpy

stretch for big carriers, Ports and Airports Minister Silvio

Costa Filho told Reuters.

Gol Linhas Aereas, which is negotiating its exit

from bankruptcy protection, and Azul ( AZUL ), which recently

renegotiated debts to raise fresh capital, are both in talks

with the government about the credit, Costa Filho said.

"Our expectation is to have these operations no later than

in the first three or four months," the minister said, adding

that the final details of the program may clear the lower house

of Congress as soon as next week.

The aid package, currently set at 4 billion reais ($690

million), would use resources from the National Civil Aviation

Fund, for loans issued by state development bank BNDES.

Azul ( AZUL ) confirmed it is in talks with the government about the

credit line. Gol did not immediately comment.

Gol reached a restructuring agreement this month that will

likely get the company out of Chapter 11 next year. Azul ( AZUL ) struck

a deal with creditors to raise as much as $500 million, making

it the only major Brazilian carrier to avoid Chapter 11 since

the coronavirus pandemic.

Costa Filho said the government support has been needed

since the pandemic. "Unlike other countries, Brazil did not

immediately help the airlines."

Regarding rumors of a potential tie-up between Gol and Azul ( AZUL ),

the minister said he saw nothing underway.

"Today I don't feel there's anything concrete regarding the

merger of these two companies," he said.

Azul ( AZUL ) said discussion of a possible business combination are

ongoing. Gol did not immediately comment.