Air Canada & Abra Group pursue revenue-sharing partnership

Air Canada and Abra Group have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate opportunities for a broader commercial partnership connecting Canada and Latin America.

Announced on Sunday (June 7), the agreement establishes a framework for a potential long-term strategic alliance between Air Canada and Abra Group, the parent company of airline brands including Avianca and GOL.

The proposed collaboration is subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.

If implemented, the partnership would enhance network connectivity across Canada, Central America, South America, and select international markets beyond the Americas.

"Air Canada and Abra Group are building the foundations for an enhanced partnership that will further unlock the Americas,” said Mark Galardo, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, and president of Cargo at Air Canada, in a press release.

“With Latin America acting as a fast-growing and strategic component of Air Canada's global presence, our customers to and from the region have long benefited from existing codeshare partnerships with Abra Group.”

“Building from a highly complementary presence across the Americas, this Memorandum of Understanding between our world-class airlines creates a pathway to further bolster our partnership, improve the customer experience, and enhance global connectivity.”

We look forward to working alongside Abra Group to deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners.”

Expanded codeshare cooperation

The two airline groups intend to deepen their commercial relationship through enhanced codeshare arrangements, aligned sales and distribution strategies, and the potential development of a joint business agreement on select routes between Canada and Latin America.

For travellers, the partnership could deliver a more seamless journey, including improved connectivity, better airport coordination, streamlined baggage handling, and stronger support during travel disruptions.

The companies also plan to expand frequent flyer cooperation, giving travellers more opportunities to earn and redeem loyalty points across the combined networks.

In addition, cargo collaboration is expected to play a key role in the partnership.

"This milestone agreement with Air Canada reinforces our ambition to redefine connectivity across the Americas and beyond,” said Angus Clarke, Abra’s chief commercial officer.

“At Abra Group, we believe in building seamless, integrated networks that bring people, cultures, and economies closer together.”

“Our complementary strengths with Air Canada expand travel options and create a more connected hemisphere, unlocking new opportunities for our customers, our partners, and the regions we serve.”

"This is a significant step toward shaping a more accessible and dynamic aviation ecosystem."

Mary-Jane Lorette, vice president, revenue management, partnerships and international affairs at Air Canada, added:

"The Canada–South America market is accelerating, and we are investing to capture this momentum, expanding into key markets such as Lima, Santiago and Rio de Janeiro, with further growth ahead in Quito while building on our strong foundation with Avianca through Star Alliance and our long-standing collaboration with GOL to shape connectivity across the Americas and unlock greater value for our customers."

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