Etihad and Abra announce partnership to boost connectivity across their combined networks

Etihad Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abra Group, the parent company of Avianca and GOL airlines, to create new growth opportunities and develop connectivity.

The MoU follows an announcement on Tuesday from Abra Group that it has become the latest operator to join Embraer’s E-Jets family. The deal covers up to 45 E195 E2s and comprises 20 firm orders, 10 purchase options and 15 purchase rights, giving the Latin American group critical fleet flexibility to support its regional connectivity growth strategy. 

Etihad’s plans to boost connectivity to and from Abu Dhabi  

The strategic partnership is aligned with Etihad’s mission to collaborate with other airlines to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s connectivity. A key objective is to develop a new bridge and open up routes for Abra’s travellers through Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia.

“Latin America is an increasingly important market for Etihad,” acknowledged Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways. He also noted that once formalised, the partnership will create a strong platform to connect more travellers from across the globe with Abu Dhabi.

“It brings together two complementary airline groups to create stronger connections between our regions,” he said.

Aircraft leasing, network development and loyalty benefits

Beyond passenger connectivity, the collaboration underlines the benefits of Abra’s multi-brand platform in delivering tangible benefits to travellers. An example of this is GOL and Etihad’s intention to explore a potential dry lease of an Airbus A330-900 from November 2026. Meanwhile, Wamos Air is expected to support Etihad’s expansion plans by deploying up to three aircraft starting in March 2027.

The partnership will also explore opportunities across loyalty programmes, codeshare agreements and broader commercial cooperation, to launch these expanded initiatives in 2026.

“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,” said Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group.

He also underlined that the collaboration is a critical step in advancing Abra’s vision of a more connected and competitive airline group.