Etihad Airways and Abra Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening air connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East and Asia, through the networks of Etihad Airways and the group's airlines Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air.
Under the memorandum, the two companies will explore opportunities for cooperation in network development, loyalty programs, commercial agreements, aircraft leasing, and wet leasing, maintenance and insurance services, according to a post on the Etihad Airways website.
The plans include expanding cooperation between Etihad Airways, Avianca and GOL through reciprocal loyalty program benefits, codeshare agreements and commercial cooperation, with the proposed initiatives set to launch during 2026.
Connecting networks
The partnership aims to give passengers of Abra Group airlines access to Etihad Airways destinations in the Middle East, Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia.
In turn, the agreement offers Etihad Airways passengers wider options to reach destinations in Latin America via the Avianca and GOL networks.
For his part, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said Latin America is an increasingly important market for the airline, adding that the partnership provides a platform for connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and Etihad's international network.
Aircraft and operations cooperation
GOL and Etihad Airways plan to evaluate the possibility of a dry lease of an Airbus A330-900 aircraft, with the potential lease starting in November 2026.
Wamos Air is also expected to support Etihad Airways' operational expansion plans, as part of the areas of cooperation subject to feasibility studies and commercial agreements.
Abra Group CEO Adrian Neuhauser noted that the partnership draws on the integrated capabilities of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air, with the aim of expanding air connectivity and opening up new commercial opportunities.
The two sides will work to conclude final agreements governing the proposed initiatives, after completing regulatory approvals, operational feasibility studies and commercial agreements.
To view the post on the Etihad Airways website, click here.
