The Mexican low-cost operator Viva Aerobus is already carrying more passengers than it had in 2019, despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It not only has recovered its pre-pandemic traffic like other airlines, but Viva Aerobus has also grown by a mile in the last few months. Let’s investigate further.
Month after month, it grows
Viva Aerobus has had record after record in the last few months. According to a statement provided by the carrier, it has had over one million passengers continuously over the previous five months, the first time in its history to do just that.
In July 2021, Viva Aerobus carried 1.5 million passengers across Mexico and the United States. This number represents a 31.6% growth compared to July 2019.
Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus, said,
“We have surpassed the one million mark for five months in a row. Despite the ongoing challenges, we have consolidated as one of the airlines with the biggest growth in passengers worldwide.”
The low-cost carrier was the first in the Americas to resume 100% of its operating capacity (compared to pre-pandemic numbers) in November 2020. Viva Aerobus has continuously launched new routes across Mexico, the US and Latin America. In a few weeks, it will start flying to Bogota, Colombia.
Additionally, Viva Aerobus has already reported a profit in 2021’s first half.
Viva could become the number two airline in the country
Currently, Volaris hold around 40% of the Mexican airlines’ market share, followed by Grupo Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Volaris and Aeromexico were battling for supremacy (though the balance was on the low-cost carrier’s side). Meanwhile, Viva Aerobus was trying to catch Interjet, who was in third place.
The pandemic proved to be an opportunity for Viva Aerobus. The low-cost operator seized the moment after seeing how Interjet ceased operations, and Aeromexico filed for Chapter 11.
In 2021, Viva Aerobus has launched ten new routes, including five international. It has also increased its domestic market share, reaching 27.4% of the whole pie.
A couple of months ago, something unforeseen happened. Viva Aerobus carried more domestic passengers than Grupo Aeromexico. Since that happened, Aeromexico has rebounded and retaken the number two spot.
Nevertheless, it is a sign of the times to come. While Volaris may be too far gone at the moment, as the number one airline in the country, the battle for the second spot will be fierce between Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus.
The fleet plans
Earlier this week, Viva Aerobus showcased its 50th aircraft. The low-cost operator received an Airbus A321neo, registration XA-VBM.
This new plane is part of Viva Aerobus’ plan to nearly double its fleet in the next five to six years.
Juan Carlos Zuazua added,
“The arrival of our fiftieth plane is a symbol of the compromise we have with affordable air connectivity in Mexico. It is also an acknowledgment of our ultra-low-cost business model and our fleet expansion plan.”
According to ch-aviation, Viva Aerobus still has to receive 40 Airbus A321-200NX in the next few years.
What do you think of this Mexican low-cost carrier growth? Will it continue? Let us know in the comments.
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