Etihad Airways and Abra Group have signed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding air connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East and Asia through the combined networks of Avianca, GOL, Wamos Air and Etihad Airways.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Farnborough International Airshow, establishes a framework for long-term cooperation across network development, loyalty programmes, aircraft leasing, ACMI operations and broader commercial collaboration.
The agreement aligns with Abra Group’s strategy of leveraging the complementary strengths of its airline portfolio to unlock new growth opportunities, while supporting Etihad’s ambition to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub.
Under the arrangement, Etihad, Avianca and GOL will pursue reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, commercial cooperation and codeshare agreements, with implementation expected to begin in 2026.
The collaboration is expected to create a new air bridge linking Latin America with the Middle East, while offering travellers broader access to destinations across Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia through Etihad’s extensive network. At the same time, Etihad customers will gain improved connectivity to key destinations across Latin America through Abra’s airlines.
Beyond passenger services, the agreement also includes plans for fleet cooperation. GOL and Etihad will evaluate the dry lease of an Airbus A330-900, with operations targeted to commence in November 2026, while Wamos Air is expected to support Etihad’s expansion by deploying up to three aircraft from March 2027.
Abra Group Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Neuhauser, said the partnership demonstrates the group’s strategy of using the combined strengths of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air to expand connectivity and unlock new commercial opportunities. “This partnership reflects Abra’s strategy of leveraging the complementary strengths of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air to expand connectivity and unlock new commercial opportunities. Together with Etihad, we are building a new bridge between Latin America and the Middle East, while exploring innovative ways to bring our brands and operations together across network development, loyalty and fleet cooperation.”
Neuhauser added that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to delivering outstanding service and advancing Abra’s vision of 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, saying the partnership would strengthen connectivity through Abu Dhabi. “Latin America is an increasingly important market for Etihad, and this partnership creates a powerful platform to connect more travellers with Abu Dhabi and destinations across our expanding global network, Together, we are creating stronger links between Latin America, Abu Dhabi and destinations across our global network, expanding opportunities for our guests while supporting Abu Dhabi’s continued growth as a destination and hub.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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