Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airline, Viva Aerobus, has made a major stride in its international and domestic growth strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 90 A321neo aircraft. The MoU would raise the airline’s order book to 170 aircraft from the A320 Family.

Youngest Fleet in Latin America

“These 90 A321neo 240-seater aircraft will allow us to grow and renew our fleet, maintaining our status as the youngest in Latin America. The A321neos’ advanced technology and operational efficiency will enhance our operational reliability, punctuality, and offer an unparalleled passenger experience,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, Chief Executive Officer of Viva Aerobus.

Zuazua also emphasized the anticipated cost savings that would strengthen their competitive advantage as the airline with the lowest cost in the Americas. Additionally, the A321neo’s fuel efficiency and noise reduction are expected to bolster Viva Aerobus’s sustainability efforts and its position as the continent’s most efficient airline.

Viva Aerobus at the Center of Mexican Leisure Market’s Recovery

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, stated, “The Mexican leisure market is in full recovery mode, and Viva Aerobus is at the center of the action! The unmatched economics of the A321neo make it the ideal choice for the airline’s ultra-low-cost model. We are pleased to have partnered with the airline since 2013 and look forward to supporting its continued growth trajectory.”

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’s A320neo Family, offering unmatched range and performance. The aircraft features new generation engines and Sharklets, reducing noise by 50 percent and fuel consumption by more than 20 percent compared to previous single-aisle generation aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort with the widest single-aisle cabin and ample overhead storage space.

Viva Aerobus’s Fleet Renewal Strategy

Viva Aerobus has based its fleet renewal strategy on the A320 Family. In 2013, the airline placed an order for 52 A320 Family aircraft, which was the largest Airbus aircraft order placed by a single airline in Mexico at the time. Later, in 2018, Viva Aerobus ordered 25 A321neo aircraft. Presently, Viva Aerobus operates 74 A320 Family aircraft.

Airbus has sold over 1,150 aircraft in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 750 of these are currently in operation throughout the region, with another 500 in the order backlog, representing a nearly 60% market share of in-service passenger aircraft. Since 1994, Airbus has secured 75% of net orders in the region.