Air TransportAbra Group Orders Additional Airbus A320neo and Leases A330-900 Aircraft
Abra Group announced an additional order for 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft and a leasing agreement for up to seven A330-900 aircraft on October 16. The order builds on a previously announced memorandum of understanding for 2024 between Avianca’s parent company, GOL, and Wamos, which includes five A350-900 aircraft.
The aircraft acquisition supports Grupo Abra’s fleet growth strategy, aiming to increase connectivity within the Americas and to Europe.
The A330-900 offers more seating than the capacity of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which is currently the largest aircraft in Grupo Abra’s fleet. The widebody can operate routes of up to 9,700 nautical miles and provides a 25% fuel consumption advantage over previous-generation aircraft.
Avianca is scheduled to receive its first A320neo with the Airspace cabin in 2025. The Colombian carrier already operates 36 A320neo aircraft, though none currently feature the updated interior.
A330s leased from Avolon
Grupo Abra has not disclosed which airline will operate the newly ordered A330-900s. Avianca is considered the leading candidate, given its existing widebody operations, while GOL Linhas Aéreas maintains a fleet comprised solely of Boeing 737 narrowbodies.
In a statement to investors, GOL revealed more information about the deal. According to the Brazilian carrier, the five A330s were leased by GOL itself from Avolon, and a letter of intent includes two additional optional aircraft.
However, GOL is not guaranteed to operate the widebody.
“The aircraft may be operated by any company in the Abra Group, with the aircraft ownership and financing costs borne by the respective operator,” GOL said.
The destination of the aircraft will be determined by Abra, based on the operational and financial needs, business opportunities, and the operational and financial situation of each company.
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