Abra Group, the parent of Avianca and GOL, launches Chile airline: a new carrier called NG Servicios Aéreos, incorporated in Santiago in July 2025 . The carrier has applied for a Chilean Air Operator Certificate and will initially focus on charter and ACMI operations. The move broadens Abra’s footprint in South America as it continues regional restructuring following GOL’s Chapter 11 exit earlier this year .
Abra Group and SKY Airlines
Abra already holds a 40 % stake in Chile’s SKY Airline, a low cost carrier that has been rapidly expanding. They also extended a $100 million loan maturing in 2026. Some analysts see the new Chilean subsidiary as part of a strategy to increase market influence, potentially creating an incentive to make the conversion of the loan into equity to gain full control. Launching NG Servicios Aéreos may also hedge against SKY’s financial risks while giving Abra further operational flexibility should consolidation opportunities arise in Chile’s competitive low-cost sector. SKY currently flies a fleet of A320neo aircraft, opposed to NG Servicios Aéreos‘ likely 737 MAXs. NG Servicios Aéreos could also function as an investment vehicle should they full acquire SKY or acquire another Chilean LLC (such as JetSmart from Indigo Partners).
GOL Fresh Out of Bankruptcy
Brazil’s GOL emerged from Chapter 11 in June 2025 after securing $1.9 billion in exit financing. This lowered leverage and allows them to continue fleet growth. Upon exiting bankruptcy, the status of American Airlines’ investment in GOL is unclear. Abra’s current focus is on taking GOL private through a merger with GOL Investment Brasil S.A. Whether GOL, Avianca and other Abra group airlines increase their cooperation with American Airlines (or other carriers) remains to be seen. The Chile expansion diversifies Abra’s portfolio and extending its Latin American network reach.
Final Thoughts
It is interesting to see Abra’s approach in South America. They are truly becoming a force to match LATAM Group. The bankruptcy of Azul, and the subsequent termination of any potential merger talks between Azul and GOL have kept the Brazilian market competitive. Whether American and United are able to keep their investment interest in GOL and Azul, respectively, remains to be seen. There should be more clarity come their Q3 earnings report. Abra’s new Chile operation may indeed become its own airline. However, NG Servicios Aéreos is not likely its final operating name. There’s a good chance it becomes an investment vehicle and acquires SKY or JetSmart in the near future.
If you want to stay up to date with the latest airline news follow me on Bluesky or LinkedIn!
Also follow Boarding Area on Bluesky!
