Abra Group Orders Up to 45 Embraer Jets and Signs Etihad Alliance to Bridge Latin America and the Middle East

Abra Group, the Latin American holding company behind Avianca, GOL (B3: GOLL54; NYSE: GOL) and Wamos Air, used the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow to announce two moves aimed at expanding its fleet and its global network: an order for up to 45 Embraer (B3: EMBJ3; NYSE: EMBJ) E195-E2 jets, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Airways to link Latin America with the Middle East and Asia.

Up to 45 E195-E2 jets for regional and domestic growth

Abra and Embraer confirmed an agreement for Abra to acquire 20 E195-E2 aircraft, with 10 purchase options and 15 purchase rights, for a total of up to 45 aircraft, subject to certain additional conditions being met. The E195-E2, the largest model in Embraer’s E-Jet E2 family, is designed to deliver lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and an improved passenger experience.

Abra said the aircraft will let it better match capacity to demand across its network, open new markets and add frequencies as it builds out its strategy as a pan-Latin American platform. The first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2027, with the order set to be added to Embraer’s third-quarter backlog once all final conditions are met.

“The E195-E2 will give Abra the flexibility to seize new opportunities as part of our disciplined fleet-allocation approach, generating greater value when and where our customers need it most,” said Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group. “This agreement reflects our commitment to keep investing in efficient, next-generation aircraft as we expand connectivity and strengthen our network at both the regional and domestic level.”

“We are proud to accompany Abra Group on its growth journey with the E195-E2, one of the most efficient and sustainable single-aisle aircraft available today,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “This agreement reinforces Embraer’s position as a strategic partner for airlines seeking versatility and performance in smaller narrow-body aircraft.”

Embraer said the E195-E2’s aerodynamics, next-generation Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and lower environmental footprint deliver significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions compared with earlier-generation aircraft.

“Together with Etihad, we are building a new bridge between Latin America and the Middle East.” — Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group

An MoU with Etihad to bridge Latin America and the Middle East

Separately, Etihad Airways and Abra signed an MoU establishing a strategic alliance intended to strengthen connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East and Asia by combining Etihad’s network with those of Abra’s airlines: Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air.

Under the alliance, Abra and Etihad will explore opportunities in network development, loyalty programs, aircraft leasing arrangements, ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) services and broader commercial cooperation. The agreement also contemplates expanded cooperation between Etihad, Avianca and GOL through reciprocal loyalty-program benefits, commercial collaboration and codeshare arrangements, with plans to launch these initiatives during 2026.

Beyond passenger connectivity, GOL and Etihad intend to evaluate a possible operating (dry) lease of an Airbus A330-900, targeted to begin in November 2026, while Wamos Air is expected to support Etihad’s expansion plans by deploying up to three aircraft starting in March 2027. The parties said they will continue working toward definitive agreements governing the proposed initiatives, subject to regulatory approvals, commercial agreements and operational feasibility assessments.

“This alliance reflects the strategy of Abra to leverage the complementary strengths of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air to expand connectivity and generate new commercial opportunities,” said Neuhauser. “Together with Etihad, we are building a new bridge between Latin America and the Middle East, while exploring innovative ways to integrate our brands and operations in network development, loyalty programs and fleet cooperation. It is an honor for our teams at Avianca to work alongside Etihad; from South America to the United Arab Emirates, this joint effort reflects our shared commitment to exceptional service, giving our customers the best of both worlds. This is an important step in advancing Abra’s vision of a more connected and competitive airline industry.”

“Latin America is an increasingly important market for Etihad, and this alliance creates a strong platform to connect more travelers with Abu Dhabi and destinations across our growing global network,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “This alliance brings together two complementary airline groups to create stronger connections between our regions. Together we are strengthening the ties between Latin America, Abu Dhabi and destinations across our global network, expanding opportunities for our passengers and supporting Abu Dhabi’s continued growth as a destination and connecting hub.”

About the companies

Abra is one of the leading air transport groups in Latin America, bringing together the Avianca and GOL brands along with a strategic investment in Wamos Air under an integrated pan-Latin American platform. The company also includes the region’s leading loyalty programs, LifeMiles and Smiles, along with cargo operations. Abra also holds convertible debt representing a minority equity stake in Sky Airline. Avianca, the world’s second-oldest airline, operates a fleet made up primarily of Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 passenger aircraft, along with freighters. GOL, one of Brazil’s leading airlines, operates a fleet built mainly around Boeing 737 aircraft. Wamos Air is a leading European wide-body ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) provider, operating Airbus A330 passenger aircraft. Abra employs approximately 30,000 people and operates a fleet of more than 300 aircraft, with scheduled flights connecting more than 25 countries and more than 145 destinations.

Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, operating in the Commercial Aviation, Executive Jets, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation segments. Founded in 1969, the company has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft and is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was founded in 2003 and is based in Abu Dhabi. The airline operates passenger and cargo flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.