Gabriel Oliva has been appointed President of Avianca Group

• Avianca has announced that CEO Frederico Pedrera will step down on February 28, 2026, after five years at the company. To ensure a smooth transition, Gabriel Oliva has been appointed President, a newly created role which he will fill alongside his current position as Chief Operating Officer.
• Under Pedrera’s leadership, Avianca has undergone a major transformation, expanding its network to more than 160 routes and carrying more than 38 million passengers in 2024.
• Oliva, who joined Avianca in 2021 and previously led its cargo business, has more than 20 years of experience and is expected to continue to build on the airline’s operational and financial momentum.

Avianca has announced the airline’s succession plan. Federico Pedrera will step down as CEO effective February 28y2026, after five years with the company. To strengthen the airline’s leadership structure and ensure a smooth transition, Avianca’s Board of Directors has approved the creation of the position of President, which will be filled by Gabriel Oliva concurrently with his role as COO, effective immediately. Frederico will remain CEO until February 28y To ensure full continuity and alignment across the organization.

Since Frederico joined Avianca in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer – later serving as Executive Vice President and then as CEO – he has played a key role in leading the airline through a turnaround that has strengthened its financial position, improved its network, and positioned Avianca as one of the most competitive and efficient airlines in the region, all while advancing the company’s mission of connecting the region and making aviation accessible to all. Under Frederico’s leadership, Avianca has continued to grow its network to include more than 160 routes and 80 destinations, carrying more than 38 million passengers in 2024, and becoming a stronger, more efficient and more accessible airline for travelers across Latin America.

“Leading Avianca has been an exceptional honor and a wonderful journey.” Pedrera said. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together and the company we have become. I am so grateful for the dedication and belief in our purpose and for making the ordinary extraordinary. I am confident that, under Gabrielle’s leadership and with the amazing team we have, Avianca will continue to grow and reach new heights.”

Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, said: “We continue to strengthen the leadership team at Avianca while simultaneously implementing a succession plan tailored to our talent. I would like to thank Fred for his leadership and the transformation he has led, and welcome Gabriel as Chairman to continue this momentum. We are confident that, as a team, we will continue to strengthen our performance indicators, as well as the product and services offered to our customers, ensuring they continue to choose us for their journeys. Avianca enters this new phase from a position of strength and stability.”

“Over the past years, Fred has led Avianca through an extraordinary transformation – making it more efficient, competitive and connected. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting mark on our company and our employees. We are excited about the future that lies ahead for Avianca, and we warmly welcome Gabriel to his new role.”Roberto Creti stated, Member of the Board of Directors of Abra Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Avianca.

said Constantino de Oliveira Junior, CEO of the Board of Directors of Abra Group “Fred has played an integral role in Avianca’s transformation. He leaves behind a legacy of results, discipline and purpose that will continue to shape Avianca’s future. We deeply thank him for his contributions and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his journey. I am thrilled to welcome Gabriel as President“.

Gabriel Oliva has more than 20 years of leadership experience, 14 of which have been in the aviation industry. He joined Avianca in 2021 as CEO of Avianca Cargo, repositioning the business unit as a regional leader, and subsequently became Avianca’s Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership, and through an integrated vision of business, cargo and passengers, he has enhanced operational safety, efficiency and customer experience. Prior to joining Avianca, Oliva held several different senior executive positions in multinational organizations.

Gabriel Oliva, President of Avianca Group, said: “I am very grateful, excited and enthusiastic about this appointment. Together with the more than 15,000 members of the Avianca team, we will continue to strengthen this company, together with the Abra Group, strengthen our leadership in the region and ensure that travelers continue to choose us. A special thanks to Farid for all his dedication and leadership throughout these years.”

Avianca remains focused on executing its strategic plan, delivering consistent results, and continuing to serve millions of travelers reliably, efficiently and warmly.