Avianca announces changes in its leadership: Gabriel Oliva is appointed President of the Group
The airline is beginning an orderly transition process in its executive structure, strengthening its regional leadership and its commitment to efficiency and service
Avianca announced its executive succession plan, with Frederico Pedreira leaving his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on February 28, 2026, after five years with the company.
With the aim of strengthening its leadership structure and ensuring a smooth transition, Avianca's Board of Directors approved the creation of the position of Group Chairman, which will be assumed immediately by Gabriel Oliva, who will also continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Pedreira will remain as CEO until February to ensure the continuity of strategic projects and organizational alignment.
During his tenure, Frederico Pedreira played a key role in the transformation and strengthening of Avianca, leading a period that consolidated its financial position, optimized its route network, and reinforced its mission to connect Latin America. Under his leadership, the company reached more than 160 routes and 80 destinations, transported 38 million passengers in 2024, and established itself as one of the most competitive and efficient airlines in the region.
“Leading Avianca has been an extraordinary honor and quite a journey,” said Frederico Pedreira. “I am deeply grateful to the team that made this transformation possible. I am fully confident that, under Gabriel’s leadership and with the talent of our people, Avianca will continue to reach new heights.”
For his part, Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of the Abra Group, highlighted:
“We are strengthening Avianca’s leadership with a succession plan based on internal talent. We thank Fred for his vision and discipline, and we welcome Gabriel as President, confident that he will continue to drive growth, efficiency, and service excellence.”
Roberto Kriete, a member of the Board of Directors of the Abra Group and Chairman of the Board of Avianca, added:
“Fred led an extraordinary transformation, leaving a lasting mark on the company and its people. We are excited about Avianca’s future under Gabriel’s leadership.”
Along the same lines, Constantino de Oliveira Junior, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abra Group, emphasized:
“Fred leaves a legacy of results and purpose. We appreciate his commitment and warmly welcome Gabriel, who will contribute to strengthening Avianca’s path of growth and stability.”
Gabriel Oliva's Career
With over 20 years of leadership experience, 14 of them in the aviation sector, Gabriel Oliva joined Avianca in 2021 as CEO of Avianca Cargo, where he repositioned the unit as a regional leader in air cargo. He subsequently assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer, driving operational safety, efficiency, and customer experience with a holistic business vision.
Before joining Avianca, Oliva held executive positions in multinational organizations, bringing a solid track record in management and business transformation.
“I am deeply grateful and motivated by this opportunity. Together with our team of more than 15,000 employees, we will continue to strengthen Avianca in partnership with the Abra Group, consolidating our leadership in the region,” said Gabriel Oliva, President of the Avianca Group.
With this transition, Avianca reaffirms its commitment to the execution of its strategic plan, the delivery of consistent results and the reliable, efficient and human service that characterizes it in Latin America.