Mexican Airline Viva Aerobus Signs Deal for 90 Airbus Jets
In exciting news for the wing makers at Airbus Broughton in Flintshire, Viva Aerobus, the popular Mexican ultra-low-cost airline, has recently announced an ambitious expansion plan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 90 A321neo aircraft from Airbus.
Once the deal is finalized, the airline’s order book will reach a total of 170 A320 family aircraft, each with wings manufactured at Airbus Broughton. The CEO of Viva Aerobus, Juan Carlos Zuazua, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, stating that the addition of these 90 A321neo aircraft, each seating 240 passengers, will allow the airline to grow and renew its fleet while maintaining the status of having the youngest fleet in Latin America.
Zuazua emphasized the numerous benefits of the A321neo, including its operational efficiency, reliability, and fuel-efficiency. He believes that these new aircraft will not only enhance the passenger experience but also contribute to further lowering airfares, aligning with the airline’s commitment to affordable travel.
The Airbus A321neo, which is the largest member of the A320neo family, boasts impressive range and performance figures. With new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo offers over 20 percent fuel savings and a 50 percent reduction in noise compared to previous single-aisle generation aircraft.
Viva Aerobus has a longstanding partnership with Airbus, with the airline previously placing an order for 52 A320 family aircraft in 2013, marking the largest Airbus aircraft order from a single Mexican airline. The order book expanded in 2018 with an additional 25 A321neo aircraft, and currently, the airline operates 74 A320 family aircraft.
Christian Scherer, the Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, expressed Airbus’ satisfaction in continuing their partnership with Viva Aerobus. Scherer noted that the Mexican leisure market is experiencing a full recovery, with Viva Aerobus at the forefront of the action.
Airbus has a dominant presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, having sold over 1,150 aircraft in the region. Currently, more than 750 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout the region, with 500 more on order, giving Airbus a market share of nearly 60% of in-service passenger aircraft. Since 1994, Airbus has secured 75% of net orders in Latin America.
The expansion plan by Viva Aerobus demonstrates their confidence in Airbus and their commitment to providing high-quality and affordable air travel for their passengers. As the partnership between Viva Aerobus and Airbus continues to thrive, the wing makers in Flintshire can look forward to a fruitful future with increased production and continued success.
