GOL Linhas Aereas
Abra Group, the holding company controlling Avianca and GOL, is advancing a powerful two-pronged strategic offensive: a significant fleet expansion with Airbus and the establishment of a new, specialized airline in Chile. The group executed options for 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft, signed agreements for up to seven A330neos, and is simultaneously seeking an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for a Chile-based entity designed for charter and aircraft leasing services.
These actions signal an aggressive strategy to consolidate its regional dominance through fleet modernization, capacity growth, and a sophisticated operational model aimed at maximizing flexibility and slashing costs.
Bolstering the Fleet for Future Growth
The new aircraft orders significantly strengthen Abra Group’s future capacity. The confirmation of 50 A320neo options brings the group’s total pending deliveries for this model to 138 through 2032. These aircraft are a cornerstone for Avianca’s fleet renewal. The first of these newly confirmed jets is slated for delivery in late 2025 and will feature Airbus’s modern Airspace cabin, which includes larger overhead bins and a premium three-row, 2-2 seating configuration developed by Recaro.
Complementing this narrow-body expansion, the group has secured agreements for up to seven Airbus A330neo jets. These aircraft, along with a previous order for five A350-900s, will provide critical flexibility for medium and long-haul routes. The A330neo offers a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat compared to its predecessor.
“This announcement confirms that we are making the necessary investments aligned with our commitment to providing millions of people with increasing access to air travel,” stated Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group. He noted the order “secures the replacement and growth needs of our current narrow-body fleet.”
With these additions, Abra’s total narrow-body backlog, including GOL’s 96 pending Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, stands at 234 jets. The wide-body order book now comprises up to twelve aircraft.
The “Chilean Maneuver”: A Masterclass in Efficiency
In a move that could reshape the region’s competitive landscape, Abra Group has confirmed its application for an AOC in Chile for a new subsidiary, NG Servicios Aéreos. This entity will not compete in the scheduled passenger market but will instead function as an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter operator.
The strategy was unveiled after a Boeing 737-800 in GOL’s livery was spotted with the Chilean registration CC-DNU and the legend “Operated by NG Servicios Aéreos.” This “wet lease” model allows NG Servicios Aéreos to provide aircraft and crew on a flexible, as-needed basis to any of Abra’s airlines—or even third parties—to cover seasonal demand peaks, manage operational disruptions, or test new routes with minimal financial risk.
The decision to base this operation in Chile is a calculated move. The primary economic advantage lies in the difference in indirect labor costs between Brazil and Chile. While in Brazil, employer-paid social security contributions can approach 40% of a salary, Chile’s system is projected to reach a maximum of 8.5% by 2033. Furthermore, the Chilean regulatory environment, guided by an “Open Skies” philosophy, offers greater stability compared to Brazil’s more interventionist framework.
This internal ACMI provider transforms a tactical necessity—leasing extra aircraft—into a strategic internal capability, allowing Abra Group to capture margins previously paid to third parties. The creation of NG Servicios Aéreos is the latest piece in Abra’s grand strategy to challenge rivals like LATAM and JetSMART and cement its position as a dominant force in Latin American aviation.
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