Etihad Airways. Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways and Abra Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership that aims to improve air connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.
The agreement brings together Etihad's global network with Abra Group's airline portfolio, which includes Avianca, GOL, and Wamos Air, creating new opportunities for travelers across three continents.
Avianca Airbus A320. Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.comThe partnership aligns with Etihad's strategy of strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global aviation hub while supporting Abra's goal of leveraging the complementary strengths of its airlines to unlock growth and expand customer choice.
Under the proposed collaboration, the airlines will explore opportunities in network development, loyalty programs, aircraft leasing, ACMI services, and broader commercial cooperation. The companies also plan to introduce reciprocal loyalty benefits, codeshare agreements, and commercial partnerships beginning in 2026.
A major objective of the agreement is to create a new travel corridor between Latin America and Abu Dhabi. Travelers flying with Avianca and GOL will gain easier access to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia through Etihad's network. Meanwhile, Etihad customers will benefit from expanded access to cities throughout Latin America.
GOL. Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.comThe partnership also includes fleet cooperation initiatives. GOL and Etihad are evaluating the potential dry lease of an Airbus A330-900, with operations targeted to begin in November 2026.
Additionally, Wamos Air is expected to support Etihad's expansion strategy by deploying up to three aircraft from March 2027. The move highlights Abra Group's multi-brand approach and its ability to support airline partners through flexible operational capabilities.
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, said the agreement represents an important milestone in the company's vision of creating a more connected and competitive airline ecosystem.
"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 said.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves described Latin America as an increasingly important market for the airline and said the partnership would strengthen connections between the regions while supporting Abu Dhabi's continued growth as a destination and transit hub.
The companies noted that all proposed initiatives remain subject to regulatory approvals, commercial agreements, and operational feasibility assessments. However, if implemented as planned, the partnership could significantly reshape travel options between Latin America and the Middle East over the coming years.