Avianca Airlines Announces New Leadership with Gabriel Oliva as President

Avianca Announces Leadership Transition

Avianca, a leading airline in Latin America, recently revealed significant changes in its leadership structure. As of November 11, 2025, the airline's Board of Directors has approved a transition plan that will see Frederico Pedreira step down as Chief Executive Officer effective February 28, 2026, after a successful five-year tenure. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the company's leadership journey, as it seeks to strengthen its management team and navigate future challenges.

Frederico Pedreira, who joined Avianca in 2021, served in various high-ranking roles including Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO before ascending to CEO. During his leadership, Avianca underwent a substantial transformation, enhancing its financial stability and expanding its network to serve over 80 destinations and 160 routes. This strategic focus ultimately allowed Avianca to transport more than 38 million passengers in 2024, solidifying its position as a competitive force in the aviation landscape.

In order to facilitate a seamless transition and reinforce leadership, Gabriel Oliva has been appointed as the new President of Avianca, taking on this dual role alongside his current position as Chief Operating Officer. This strategic move aims to ensure continuity within the organization and maintain alignment with Avianca's operational strategies. Pedreira will retain his title until the end of February to ensure a complete and organized cross-over of responsibilities and vision.

Pedreira expressed his gratitude for the experience of leading Avianca, stating, "Leading Avianca has been an extraordinary honor and quite a journey. I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished together. I am confident that under Gabriel’s leadership, the airline will continue to thrive."

Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, highlighted the significance of this leadership transition, emphasizing the importance of a strong leadership team especially in the current climate of growth and competition. "We continue to strengthen Avianca's leadership while executing a succession plan tailored for our top talent. Fred’s leadership has been transformative, and we welcome Gabriel to carry forward this momentum."

Roberto Kriete, a member of the Board of Directors of the Abra Group, praised the accomplishments of Pedreira, suggesting that the groundwork laid during his tenure would set up Avianca for future success. The Board’s confidence in Oliva is reassuring, considering his extensive background of over 20 years in leadership roles, 14 of which were in the aviation sector. His previous contributions, especially as the CEO of Avianca Cargo, demonstrate his capability to drive effective strategies that enhance operational safety and improve the customer experience.

Gabriel Oliva expressed his excitement for the new role, stating, "I am very grateful and motivated by this appointment. Together with Avianca's more than 15,000 team members, we will continue strengthening this company, enhancing our leadership in the region."

As Avianca embarks on this new chapter, the company remains committed to executing its strategic goals while delivering reliable and warm services to millions of travelers. The airline, which is a member of the Star Alliance and part of the Abra Group, boasts over 105 years of operations in Colombia, with one of the largest route systems in Latin America, connecting numerous destinations across multiple countries.

In summary, the leadership transition at Avianca, marked by Wilfredo Pedreira’s departure and Gabriel Oliva’s ascension to President, signifies a crucial step towards strengthening the airline's competitive edge and enhancing service quality in the aviation industry. As Avianca focuses on its strategic plan, the leadership team aims to ensure that the airline continues to be the preferred choice for travelers across the Americas.

For further information about Avianca and its latest services, visit Avianca Official Website.