- Avianca has announced that CEO Frederico Pedreira will step down on February 28, 2026, after five years with the company. To ensure a smooth transition, Gabriel Oliva has been appointed as President, a newly created role he will hold alongside his current position as COO.
- Under Pedreira’s leadership, Avianca underwent a significant transformation, growing its network to over 160 routes and transporting more than 38 million passengers in 2024.
- Oliva, who joined Avianca in 2021 and previously led its cargo business, brings over 20 years of experience and is expected to continue building on the airline’s operational and financial momentum.
Avianca has announced a major step in its long-term succession plan with the appointment of Gabriel Oliva as President of Avianca Group, a newly created role designed to ensure a seamless leadership transition ahead of chief executive Frederico Pedreira’s planned departure in 2026. Oliva will assume the presidency while continuing in his existing post as Chief Operating Officer.
Pedreira, who will step down as CEO on 28 February 2026 after five years with the airline, will remain in the role until his departure to maintain continuity across the organisation. His tenure — marked by financial restructuring, network optimisation and a renewed mission to make flying accessible across Latin America — has reshaped Avianca into one of the region’s most efficient carriers.
Since joining Avianca in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer, Pedreira went on to serve as deputy CEO and later CEO, leading a transformation that expanded the airline’s network to more than 160 routes and 80 destinations. In 2024 alone, Avianca transported over 38 million passengers, underlining the scale of its post-pandemic recovery and commercial momentum.
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“Leading Avianca has been an extraordinary honour and quite a journey,” Pedreira said. “I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished and confident that under Gabriel’s leadership, Avianca will continue to grow and reach new heights.”
The creation of the President role and Oliva’s appointment were approved by Avianca’s Board of Directors as part of a broader effort to reinforce executive leadership. The move is intended to support long-term stability while sustaining the airline’s operational and financial progress.
Executives across Avianca’s parent company, Abra Group, praised Pedreira’s leadership and expressed confidence in Oliva’s ability to guide the next chapter.
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, said: “We continue strengthening Avianca’s leadership team while executing our planned succession strategy. Fred has led a remarkable transformation, and we welcome Gabriel as President to continue that momentum. Avianca enters this new phase from a position of strength and stability.”
Roberto Kriete, Board member of Abra Group and Chairman of Avianca, added: “Fred has made Avianca more efficient, competitive and connected. His impact on our company and people is profound. We warmly welcome Gabriel in his new role.”
Constantino de Oliveira Junior, Executive Chairman of Abra Group, echoed the sentiment: “Fred leaves behind a legacy of results, discipline and purpose that will continue shaping Avianca’s future. We are delighted to welcome Gabriel as President.”
Oliva brings more than 20 years of leadership experience — 14 in aviation — and is widely recognised for his operational expertise. He joined Avianca in 2021 as CEO of Avianca Cargo, repositioning the division as a regional leader. As COO, he strengthened operational safety, customer experience and efficiency through an integrated approach across cargo and passenger operations.
“I am very grateful, excited and motivated by this appointment,” Oliva said. “Together with Avianca’s 15,000 team members, we will continue strengthening this company and enhancing our leadership in the region. A special thanks to Fred for his dedication and leadership throughout these years.”
Avianca said it remains focused on delivering consistent results, executing its strategic plan and continuing to serve millions of travellers with reliability, warmth and operational excellence.
