Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación (Volaris), the ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States and Central America, had added eight more A320 NEO aircraft to its fleet in 2021, on top of the three aircraft from its purchase order with Airbus, closing the year with at least 98 aircraft.
Volaris states that it has been able to take advantage of the favourable leasing market conditions under which these aircraft can be added to the fleet, all on long-term leases. “Our competitors have been scaling down and this has represented an unprecedented opportunity for Volaris to add additional healthy capacity.”
Volaris states that, as the vaccination rollout gains momentum in its markets, confidence in air travel has accelerated accordingly, which had led to its decision to incorporate eight additional A320 NEO aircraft to its fleet in 2021 through straight operating leases, five of which will enter into service this summer. “This additional capacity will be deployed primarily to strengthen our leading position in the Mexican domestic market. The company is evaluating further market opportunities to add additional aircraft.”
Volaris believes it can use these aircraft to take advantage of market opportunities in the second half of the year and enhance its sustainability strategy.