The majority investor in South American carriers Avianca and Gol Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five Airbus A350-900s.
Abra Group and Airbus held their nerve for four days at Farnborough Airshow 2024 before announcing the latest deal for the hugely popular widebody jet.
In a statement on July 25, 2024, Airbus declared that Abra Group was looking to expand international long-haul operations and increase capacity, and that the new agreement falls in line with the investor’s “strategic plans to offer millions of passengers greater connectivity to new destinations”.
It remains yet to be seen which of the two airlines will operate the five Airbus A350-900s or whether the aircraft will be split between them.
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this agreement with Airbus. We believe the arrival of these five A350s, which offer a best-in-class passenger experience, are more fuel efficient and have a lower cost per seat than competitor aircraft, will allow us to strengthen our commitment to make travel more accessible and responsible.”
Neuhauser added: “This also means better prices for customers with better connectivity between our continent and Europe and will further consolidate Abra as one of the largest and most competitive air transportation groups in Latin America. The aircraft selection is consistent with the strategic announcements we have done this year and further executes on our long-term vision.”
The A350 can fly ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm and seat between 300 and 410 passengers while powered by two engines.
Airbus has received 1,309 orders for the A350 and delivered over 600 to customers since it flew its maiden flight in June 2013.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “We are delighted to see the Abra Group endorsing the A350 to continue its mission of strengthening air connectivity between Latin America and the rest of the world. The selection of the A350 reaffirms the aircraft as the undisputed leader in long-haul air travel.”
Abra Group, which is based in the UK, recently announced its intention to make a strategic investment in Wamos Air in Spain.