Abra Group has reached an agreement to acquire 20 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with options to purchase 10 additional planes and purchase rights covering another 15. The agreement could ultimately expand to as many as 45 aircraft.
The parent company of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air expects to receive its first E195-E2 during the fourth quarter of 2027. Subsequent aircraft will be delivered progressively.
Abra plans to use the aircraft to improve fleet flexibility across its domestic and regional networks. The E195-E2’s size is intended to help the group more closely match seating capacity with passenger demand on individual routes.
This flexibility could allow Abra’s airlines to introduce service in markets that may not support larger narrowbody aircraft. It could also enable carriers to add frequencies on existing routes without introducing more capacity than passenger demand requires.
The E195-E2 is the largest aircraft in Embraer’s E-Jet E2 family. It is designed for short- and medium-haul routes and occupies a size category below larger single-aisle aircraft such as those commonly used by Avianca and GOL.
Embraer equips the aircraft with new-generation Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines and updated aerodynamics. The manufacturer said these features reduce fuel consumption and emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft.
Lower fuel use can reduce operating costs while helping airlines meet emissions targets. The aircraft is also designed to improve passenger comfort and operational performance.
Abra views the fleet addition as part of its strategy to build a unified pan-Latin American aviation platform. Its network includes Avianca’s operations across Latin America, GOL’s Brazilian business and a strategic investment in European aircraft services provider Wamos Air.
Avianca currently operates a fleet primarily consisting of Airbus A320-family and Boeing 787 passenger aircraft. GOL mainly operates Boeing 737 aircraft, while Wamos Air uses Airbus A330 widebody planes for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance services.
Adding the E195-E2 will introduce another aircraft type to Abra’s broader fleet. The company believes the smaller narrowbody aircraft will complement its existing planes by serving routes where a lower seating capacity can improve economics.
The agreement remains subject to the fulfillment of final conditions. Embraer expects to add the order to its third-quarter backlog after those requirements are satisfied.
Abra has approximately 30,000 employees and operates more than 300 aircraft. Its scheduled passenger network serves more than 145 destinations across over 25 countries.
KEY QUOTES:
“The E195-E2 will provide Abra with flexibility to pursue new opportunities as part of our disciplined approach to fleet deployment, and delivering greater value when and where our customers need it most.”
“This agreement reflects our commitment to continue investing in efficient, next-generation aircraft as we expand connectivity and strengthen our network across the region and domestically.”
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group
“We are proud to support Abra Group in its growth journey with the E195-E2, one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly single-aisle aircraft available today.”
“This agreement reinforces Embraer’s position as a key partner for airlines seeking versatility and performance from small narrowbody aircraft.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation
