Abra Group and Azul sign MoU to merge Azul with Gol

On 16 January 2025, the Abra Group signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azul to merge Gol with Azul. The newly formed company in Brazil will act as a holding for Azul and Gol which would continue to operate as separate airlines and brands. It would be partially owned by the Abra Group and Azul.

Azul and Gol are currently in the process of a financial restructuring, with the latter airline currently being under a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Both airlines think a merger would bring more efficiencies and a stronger Brazilian aviation landscape. Combined, Azul and Gol would have a market share of around 60%.

The deal will need to be approved by the Brazilian antitrust authorities but the country's president has already said he is in favor of the merger. Another important condition is that Gol has exited its Chapter 11 process and is recapitalized.

Azul Linhas Aéreas currently has a fleet of 188 aircraft that is made-up of 40 ATR72-600s, 51 Airbus A320neos, two A321P2Fs, six A321neos, five A330-200s, seven A330-900s, one Boeing B737-400SF, 31 Embraer E195-E2s, and 45 ERJ195s.

Gol Linhas Aéreas, owned by the Abra Group, has an all-Boeing fleet, made-up of twelve B737-700s, 73 B737-800s, and 52 B737-8s.

Next to Gol, the Abra Group is also the holding company for Avianca and Wamos Air.