Abra Group expands fleet with new Airbus A330neo and A320neo orders as LatAm market grows
October 20, 2025
Abra Group, parent company of Avianca and GOL, has confirmed a major fleet expansion plan that reinforces its aim to dominate a wider swathe of the Latin American aviation market.
The company has signed agreements for up to seven Airbus A330neo widebodies and finalised an additional 50 A320neo narrowbodies, as it firms up its long-term fleet renewal and growth plans.
Abra Group secures largest and most modern fleet order book in Latin America
The move strengthens Abra’s position as the airline group with the largest and most modern aircraft order book in Latin America, with 234 narrowbodies now on order across its airlines.
The A330neos, meanwhile, are being positioned to support new long-haul services between the Americas and Europe as demand for international connectivity accelerates – particularly in the wake of subdued demand between Latin America and the US.
“These aircraft can be integrated into the group’s airlines based on operational and financial needs and opportunities,” Abra said, noting that the new widebodies are designed to boost medium- and long-haul operations.
The A330neo, equipped with next-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, delivers a 14% improvement in fuel efficiency per seat compared with the A330ceo and reduces airport noise by as much as 60%.
The model will complement Abra’s growing long-haul capabilities alongside five Airbus A350-900s ordered last year.
Narrowbody aircraft for Abra’s airlines
The group’s narrowbody fleet plan will also result in significant changes in size and structure.
Abra has exercised 50 additional options for Airbus A320neo aircraft, bringing its total order to 138, alongside 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered by 2030.
The first A320neo featuring the new Airspace cabin is due to enter service with Avianca late this year.
The Airspace cabin brings larger overhead bins offering 60% more capacity, mood-adaptive LED lighting, and upgraded premium seating designed by Recaro in a two-by-two configuration.
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra, said: “This announcement confirms that we continue to make the necessary investments aligned with our commitment to provide millions of people with greater access to air travel, consolidating our position as one of the largest and most competitive airline groups in Latin America.
“Our incremental A320neo order ensures the replacement and growth needs of our current narrowbody fleet. It also strengthens our international growth strategy to better connect Latin America with itself and the world through a more efficient fleet.”
Airbus welcomed the deepened relationship with Abra. “We are proud that Abra Group has selected Airbus’s emblematic aircraft: the A350, the A330neo and A320neo as key elements of its fleet expansion strategy, further expanding our strategic cooperation,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
“The choice of the A350, driven by its superior performance and economic efficiency, reaffirms its undisputed leadership in long-haul operations. The A330neo is a next-generation, best-in-class complement to Abra’s current A330 operation.
“We are also excited that, in the near future, passengers will be able to enjoy the Airbus Airspace cabin on Avianca’s A320neo, offering unmatched comfort.”
Booming regional market in Latin America
Abra’s expansion comes at a time of renewed momentum for Latin America’s aviation sector.
According to IATA, regional passenger traffic grew by more than 10% year-on-year in 2024, outpacing most global regions as airlines restored networks and launched new international services.
Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile have seen particularly strong recovery in both leisure and business travel, while cargo volumes have stabilised above pre-pandemic levels.
Fleet renewal programmes across the region – led by groups like Abra, LATAM, and Azul – reflect a shift toward fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft.
With air travel in Latin America projected to double over the next two decades, Abra’s latest aircraft orders will help it to capture a growing share of that demand while modernising its operations.
Featured photo: Airbus
