Abra Group (majority investor of Avianca and Gol) signs MoU for five A350-900s

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 25 July 2024– Abra Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for five A350-900s to further expand its international long-haul operations and increase capacity. This is in line with the Group's strategic plans to offer millions of passengers greater connectivity to new destinations on long-range routes.

Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group said, “We are delighted to announce this agreement with Airbus. We believe the arrival of these five A350s, which offer a best-in-class passenger experience, are more fuel efficient and have a lower cost per seat than competitor aircraft, will allow us to strengthen our commitment to make travel more accessible and responsible. This also means better prices for customers with better connectivity between our continent and Europe, and will further consolidate Abra as one of the largest and most competitive air transportation groups in Latin America. The aircraft selection is consistent with the strategic announcements we have done this year and further executes on our long term vision.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, "We are delighted to see the Abra Group endorsing the A350 to continue its mission of strengthening air connectivity between Latin America and the rest of the world. The selection of the A350 reaffirms the aircraft as the undisputed leader in long-haul air travel.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category, flying efficiently on any sector from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm. Its clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and latest generation engines that together deliver 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions, as well as 50% noise reduction compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

Airbus has sold over 1,300 aircraft in Latin America and the Caribbean and has a leading  market share of in-service passenger aircraft. Around 800 are in operation throughout the region, with close to 500 in the order backlog. Since 1994, Airbus has secured 75% of net orders in the region. 

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Note to editors:

Abra Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom, is one of the largest and most competitive air transportation groups in Latin America. Abra brings together the iconic Avianca and GOL brands under a single leadership, anchoring a Latin American airline network with one of the lowest unit costs in each respective market, leading loyalty programs in the region (LifeMiles and Smiles), and other synergistic businesses. Additionally, Abra recently announced its intention to make a strategic investment in Wamos Air in Spain (subject to approvals and customary closing conditions). Abra Group brings together a team of 28,000 highly skilled aviation professionals and a fleet of more than 250 aircraft serving 25 countries and 150 destinations.