Abra Group Boosts Transatlantic Reach
Four months after completing its acquisition of Spanish wet-lease and charter specialist Wamos Air, Abra Group is integrating the carrier into its broader strategy to address capacity constraints, enhance connectivity, and expand its transatlantic footprint. As the parent company of South American airlines Avianca and GOL, Abra Group sees Wamos Air as a key asset to help bridge the imbalance between soaring Latin American demand and the overwhelming presence of European carriers on long-haul routes.
“More than 50% of all bookings to and from Latin America to Europe originate in Latin America,” said Joe Mohan, Chief Commercial Officer of Abra Group, during his remarks at Routes Americas 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas. “Our loyal customers know our brands well and love flying with us, yet approximately two-thirds of the available capacity is served by European carriers. With Wamos, we can better capitalize on our point-of-sale strength to address this imbalance.”
Wamos Air, long recognized for its expertise in wet-lease and charter operations, has an impressive roster of clients that includes industry leaders such as Air Europa, Aer Lingus, Etihad, and TAP Air Portugal. While Avianca previously utilized Wamos aircraft under a wet-lease agreement to supplement its fleet, Abra Group now envisions a larger role for Wamos within its network. “Given the current shortage of widebody aircraft, acquiring Wamos gives us immediate access to long-haul capacity,” Mohan explained. “We don’t have to wait years for new aircraft—we now have the ability to move more quickly.”
One of the most strategic advantages of Wamos Air is its European Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This certification plays a crucial role in Abra Group’s ambitions to expand its presence in Europe. Mohan elaborated on the complexities of the region: “Central America is home to about 40 million people, spread across seven countries with seven different regulatory authorities. What Wamos brings to the table is the ability to fly anywhere in Europe under a European Union operating certificate, connecting diverse destinations in Latin America with enhanced aircraft availability.”
Despite the acquisition, Wamos Air will continue to operate as a wet-lease provider for other airlines even as it gradually becomes integrated into Abra Group’s broader network strategy. According to CAPA – Centre for Aviation fleet data, Wamos currently operates three A330-200s and seven A330-300s, providing a flexible and immediate solution to meet long-haul capacity needs.
The integration of Wamos Air into Abra Group’s portfolio is seen as part of a larger trend to realign capacity and meet rising demand on transatlantic routes. Mohan noted that while Avianca and GOL already enjoy strong relationships with certain European airlines, the group believes that leveraging its own point-of-sale capabilities can drive even more growth and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Abra Group is also eyeing further expansion opportunities in the region. There are discussions about adding more airlines to the portfolio, with Aerolineas Argentinas reportedly in sight. In addition, a non-binding memorandum of understanding was signed with Brazilian carrier Azul earlier this year, underscoring the company’s commitment to strengthening its network and enhancing global connectivity.
By integrating Wamos Air, Abra Group is not only addressing current capacity challenges but is also positioning itself to better serve the dynamic and evolving needs of transatlantic travelers. This strategic move promises to deliver faster, more efficient service on long-haul routes, ensuring that Latin American passengers enjoy a more balanced and competitive offering in the global aviation market.
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