Abra Group Weighs Smaller Aircraft to Unlock New Markets
Abra Group, the parent company of Avianca, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, Wamos Air, and NG Servicios Aéreos, is evaluating the potential introduction of smaller aircraft across its airline portfolio as it looks to expand into new markets more efficiently. Chief executive officer Adrian Neuhauser said the group is assessing options such as Embraer regional jets, but stressed that any decision would be driven by network strategy rather than a desire to simply add capacity.
Speaking at a press conference in Bogotá, Neuhauser addressed market speculation that GOL could add Embraer E2 aircraft or Airbus A220s to its fleet. He said the group has no intention of rushing into a new fleet type without a clear strategic rationale.
“We are in no rush to add a new type of aircraft to the fleet just to increase capacity,” Neuhauser said. “If we add a new type, it would be to serve markets that, otherwise, we would not be able to serve, either physically or economically.”
The comments reflect Abra Group’s broader focus on disciplined growth and fleet optimization as it seeks to balance expansion with financial sustainability. Smaller narrowbody and regional aircraft could allow its airlines to open thinner routes, increase frequencies, or access airports with operational or infrastructure constraints that are not well suited to larger jets.
This measured approach comes as Abra continues to make significant fleet investments. Earlier this year, the group placed an additional order for 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft for Avianca, reinforcing that carrier’s core narrowbody strategy in Latin America. Abra has also entered into an operating lease agreement with Avolon to dry-lease up to seven Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
According to industry reports, the widebody A330neos could be placed with GOL Linhas Aéreas, potentially enabling the Brazilian carrier to launch long-haul services to Europe. If implemented, this would mark a notable shift for GOL, whose business model has historically been centered almost exclusively on Boeing 737 operations within South America and on short-haul international routes.
Asked directly about the possibility of expanding beyond its current network footprint, GOL said it continues to review opportunities but has not confirmed any changes. In a statement to ch-aviation, the airline said it “continually evaluates opportunities to expand its regional, domestic, and international network.” It added that there is currently no confirmation of flights beyond airports it already serves or has publicly announced.
Any future move toward smaller aircraft, whether Embraer E-Jets or Airbus A220s, would represent a strategic evolution for Abra Group. By matching aircraft size more closely to demand, the group could improve route economics, strengthen connectivity across Latin America, and selectively pursue growth without overextending capacity.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com