Avianca, Gol Parent Abra Group Inks Deals For Airbus A350-900 Widebodies
Abra Group, the parent company of Avianca and Gol, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus (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.
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.
Adrian Neuhauser (Above right), 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.”
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.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry (Above, left), 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.”