Abu dhabi: Etihad Airways and Abra Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. The partnership will leverage the combined networks of Etihad and Abra's airlines, including Avianca, GOL, and Wamos Air.
According to Emirates News Agency, this agreement aligns with Abra's strategy to capitalize on the complementary strengths of its airline portfolio, creating new growth opportunities and expanding connectivity for customers. It also supports Etihad's goal of enhancing Abu Dhabi's connectivity through collaborations with leading airlines in complementary markets.
The collaboration between Abra and Etihad will explore opportunities in network development, loyalty programs, aircraft leasing arrangements, ACMI services, and broader commercial cooperation. A significant focus of the partnership is the cooperation between Etihad, Avianca, and GOL through reciprocal loyalty benefits, commercial collaboration, and codeshare agreements, with plans to launch these initiatives in 2026.
A primary objective of the partnership is to establish a new bridge, providing Abra's travelers access to Etihad's network across the Middle East, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia, while offering Etihad customers increased access to destinations throughout Latin America. The collaboration underscores the strategic role of Abra's multi-brand platform in delivering benefits to travelers beyond passenger connectivity.
GOL and Etihad are considering a potential dry lease of an Airbus A330-900, aiming to start in November 2026. Meanwhile, Wamos Air is expected to support Etihad's expansion plans by deploying up to three aircraft starting in March 2027. These initiatives highlight Abra's ability to leverage its multiple operations to support partner growth and create additional value for customers and stakeholders across the group.
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, emphasized the partnership's importance in leveraging the strengths of Avianca, GOL, and Wamos Air to expand connectivity and unlock new commercial opportunities. He stated that together with Etihad, they are building a new bridge between Latin America and the Middle East, exploring innovative ways to connect their brands and operations.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted Latin America's growing significance for Etihad, with the partnership creating a platform to connect more travelers with Abu Dhabi and destinations across its global network. He noted that this collaboration between two complementary airline groups strengthens connections between the regions and supports Abu Dhabi's growth as a destination and hub.
The parties will continue working towards definitive agreements governing the proposed initiatives, subject to regulatory approvals, commercial agreements, and operational feasibility assessments.