Etihad Airways teams up with Abra Group to expand flights between Latin America, Abu Dhabi and Asia
Codeshare, loyalty and fleet plans targeted for rollout from 2026
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways and Abra Group have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen air connectivity between Latin America, Abu Dhabi, the Middle East and Asia through the combined strengths of their airline networks.
The agreement brings together Etihad with Abra's airlines Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air, creating a framework for long-term cooperation across passenger services and commercial operations.
The partnership was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom and is expected to pave the way for a series of initiatives beginning in 2026.
New partnership
The MoU is designed to expand travel options by connecting the complementary networks of the two airline groups. Under the agreement, both sides will explore opportunities in network development, loyalty programmes, aircraft leasing, ACMI services and wider commercial cooperation.
The partnership aligns with Abra Group's strategy of using the strengths of its multi-brand airline portfolio to unlock growth opportunities, while supporting Etihad's ambition to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a global aviation hub through partnerships in complementary markets.
A major objective is to establish a stronger travel bridge between Latin America and the Middle East. The collaboration will give Abra's customers broader access to Etihad's network across the Middle East, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia. At the same time, Etihad passengers will gain easier access to destinations throughout Latin America via Abra's airlines.
Passenger benefits
The agreement also outlines plans for expanded cooperation between Etihad, Avianca and GOL through reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, commercial collaboration and codeshare arrangements. These initiatives are expected to be introduced during 2026, subject to the completion of the necessary agreements.
Beyond passenger connectivity, the airlines are also exploring ways to enhance operational cooperation. GOL and Etihad intend to evaluate the potential dry lease of an Airbus A330-900 aircraft, with operations targeted to begin in November 2026.
Meanwhile, Wamos Air is expected to support Etihad's expansion plans by deploying up to three aircraft from March 2027. The arrangement highlights how Abra plans to use the capabilities of its different airlines to support partners' growth while delivering greater value to customers and stakeholders.
Future plans
Adrian Neuhauser, Chief Executive Officer of Abra Group, said the partnership reflects the group's strategy of combining the strengths of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air to expand connectivity and create new commercial opportunities.
He said the agreement would help build a new bridge between Latin America and the Middle East while opening opportunities to bring the airlines' brands and operations together through network development, loyalty programmes and fleet cooperation. Neuhauser added that collaboration between Avianca and Etihad represents an important step towards Abra's vision of building a more connected and competitive airline group.
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves described Latin America as an increasingly important market for the airline. He said the partnership would create a strong platform to connect more travellers with Abu Dhabi and destinations across Etihad's growing global network.
Neves added that bringing together two complementary airline groups would strengthen links between Latin America, Abu Dhabi and other international destinations while supporting Abu Dhabi's continued growth as both a travel destination and a global aviation hub.
The companies said they will continue working towards definitive agreements covering the proposed initiatives. The projects remain subject to regulatory approvals, commercial agreements and operational feasibility assessments before implementation begins.