AIRBUS : VivaAerobus starts A320 operations in Mexico

Mexico City-based VivaAerobus formally launched its fleet transition to A320 aircraft today, after the airline started operating its first three Airbus A320 aircraft in April. The low cost carrier will receive an additional two A320s before the end of 2014. The A320s, powered by IAE, are configured in an all economy 180 seat configuration, 32 additional seats or a 22 percent increase in capacity as compared to VivaAerobus' existing fleet of 737-300s.

The A320s will bring VivaAerobus improved fuel efficiency, performance and range, allowing the airline to ultimately expand its network service throughout Mexico and beyond. The aircraft will be based in the airline's Cancun hub and fly to Mexico City, Monterrey, Veracruz, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Reynosa and Torreon. Additionally, the aircraft will operate from Mexico City to Reynosa and from Monterrey to Mazatlan.

By the end of 2016, the airline will have completed its fleet transition from 737-300 to become an all-Airbus operator. In October 2013 VivaAerobus signed a purchase agreement for 52 Airbus A320 Family aircraft (40 A320neo and 12 A320ceo), representing the biggest Airbus aircraft order by a single airline in Latin American history.

"In less than a month that our A320ceo have been operating, we are pleased to see that our passengers are genuinely surprised with the comfort and reliability the aircraft offers," said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of VivaAerobus. "We are also beginning to experience the A320's excellent fuel and operational efficiencies. We expect to see fuel reductions of up to 30 percent as compared to our actual model, the 737-300, which will help VivaAerobus reduce its costs even more, translating into lower fares for our passengers."

"We congratulate VivaAerobus for commencing their A320 operations today," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "The economic efficiency of our A320 Family will lift VivaAerobus to new heights, while their passengers can enjoy the space and comfort only the wider Airbus cabins do offer. We wish our new Airbus operator a bright future!"

The Airbus A320 has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft and offers a wider cabin than competing single aisle products, enabling wider seats, a wider aisle and more personal space for the passengers. Transitioning to the world's most efficient single aisle aircraft will translate into cost savings for the airline, ultimately allowing VivaAerobus to lower fares for its customers.

The A320 Family is the world's best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 10,200 aircraft have been ordered and over 6,000 delivered to operators worldwide.

More than 500 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than 800 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400 yet to be delivered. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 per cent of all aircraft operating in the region.