Abra Group has agreed to carry out a strategic investment in Wamos Air, a world-leading air charter and wet lease services company based in Spain. This partnership will bring about the possibility of improving connectivity between Latin America and Europe, leveraging the potential increase in coverage and operation of the Group’s wide-body fleet.
“We celebrate the signing of this agreement for multiple reasons. First, because Wamos Air is a gem in the world of ACMI and air charter operations and has global experience operating in multiple markets. Second, because its business model perfectly complements Abra’s vision and strategy of being a leader in air transportation in Latin America. And third, because this partnership will allow us to participate in long-haul markets with wide-body aircraft in other countries beyond our current Colombia operation,” stated Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group.
“We welcome Wamos Air to Abra Group. Without a doubt, the investment we are making demonstrates our group’s continued strength, and will open the door for us to realize further synergies between our businesses and continue to expand opportunities to connect the countries of Latin America – not only with each other – but with the rest of the world,” said Constantino de Oliveira Junior, Chairman of Abra Group.
In turn, Wamos Air will benefit from the knowledge of an expert investor with a long-term vision that will drive growth its operations to and from Latin America.
“For Wamos Air, this operation represents an incredible opportunity for evolution and growth alongside such a relevant group in the industry as Abra, with whom we have had an important commercial relationship over the past years. This agreement will complement our activity through the opening of new long-haul routes, without losing our essence as a world-class ACMI operator. We face this new stage in our history with great enthusiasm and are convinced that this alliance will represent an important step forward in the company’s future,” stated Enrique Saiz, CEO of Wamos Air.
Wamos Air will maintain its leadership team, continue to operate independently under its existing business model, and, as it has done throughout its more than 20 years of history, will continue to serve its customers around the world.
The investment complies with European Union regulations on air services, airline ownership and control, and its implementation is subject to standard closing conditions for such transactions, including obtaining approvals from competent authorities.
About Abra Group:
Abra Group, a UK-based company, is one of the largest and most competitive air transportation groups in Latin America. It brings together the iconic Avianca and GOL brands under a single leadership team, anchoring a Latin American airline network that has one of the lowest unit costs in its respective markets, the leading loyalty programs throughout the region (LifeMiles and Smiles) and other synergistic businesses. Abra Group consolidates a team of 28,000 highly qualified aviation professionals and a fleet of 300 aircraft serving 15 countries and 150 destinations.
About Wamos Air:
Wamos Air is a European leader in charter and wet lease operations and one of the major allies of leading international airlines, who value its experience and excellence in an increasingly demanding and competitive market. Based in Madrid, it currently has more than 1,000 professionals around the world. Wamos Air offers its aircraft with different configurations to adapt and serve all types of customers, also providing them with all the necessary services to carry out flights with high levels of efficiency and comfort thanks to fully renovated cabins, both in economy and business class. It also highlights its high capacity for reaction, which makes it possible to have an aircraft available in just three hours. Founded in 2003, in the last year alone it operated in more than 200 airports and 87 countries, transporting more than three million passengers for airlines such as Air Europa, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Aer Lingus, Condor, Etihad, Iberia, Level, Saudia Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, TUI, among many other reference airlines.
Featured image credited to Wamos Air
