Avianca lays out succession plan with new role as CEO confirms resignation

Abra Group-owned Avianca has set out its leadership succession plan after the current CEO Frederico Pedreira confirmed he will step down from his role on February 28, 2026. 

On November 12, 2025, Avianca said that the current CCO Gabriel Oliva has been appointed as the carrier’s President, in a newly created role, that will run alongside his current job.  

Avianca said it wanted to “further strengthen the airline’s leadership structure and ensure a smooth transition”. Olivia was appointed President on November 11, 2025.  

Avianca confirmed to AeroTime that when Pedreira steps down in February 2026, the CEO position will remain under Abra Group, with its head Adrian Neuhauser. At that point, Oliva will remain as President and a new COO will be appointed. 

Frederico first joined Avianca in 2021 as CCO and later served as Deputy CEO before eventually becoming CEO.   

Avianca Airlines“Leading Avianca has been an extraordinary honor and quite a journey,” said Pedreira. “I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished together and the company we become. I am profoundly grateful for the dedication, for believing in our purpose and for making the ordinary extraordinary. I am confident that, under Gabriel’s leadership and with the incredible team we have, Avianca will continue to grow and reach new heights.” 

Under Pedreira’s leadership, Avianca continued to grow its network to over 160 routes and 80 destinations, transporting more than 38 million passengers in 2024. 

“We continue to strengthen Avianca’s leadership team while simultaneously executing the succession plan designed for our talent. I want to thank Fred for his leadership and the transformation he has led, and welcome Gabriel as President to continue that momentum,” said Neuhauser 

He added: “We are confident that, as a team, we will continue to strengthen our performance indicators, as well as the product and service offered to our customers, ensuring they continue to choose us for their travels. Avianca enters this new phase from a position of strength and stability.”  

Oliva joined the company in 2021 as CEO of Avianca Cargo and later became Avianca’s CCO. 

“I am very grateful, excited, and motivated by this appointment. Together with Avianca’s more than 15,000 team members, we will continue strengthening this company, hand in hand with Abra Group, enhancing our leadership in the region and ensuring that passengers keep choosing us,” said Oliva. 

Avianca operates one of the largest route networks in Latin America.

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