Volaris and Airbus finalize largest aircraft order in Mexican history

First carrier in Mexico to order eco-efficient A320neo aircraft

12 January 2012

Mexican low cost carrier Volaris has signed a purchase agreement for 44 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprised of 30 A320neo and 14 A320 aircraft. The order represents the largest single commercial aircraft order ever by an airline in Mexico. Volaris, also the first airline in Mexico to order the A320neo, will announce its engine selections for the aircraft at a later date.

Since starting operations in 2006, Volaris has become one of the top three airlines in Mexico having quickly expanded their network throughout the country and into the United States. The new 44 A320 Family aircraft will more than double the airline’s all-Airbus fleet to support their expansion and fleet renewal plans. The airline currently operates 34 Airbus aircraft and has a backlog of 58, including the aircraft announced today.

“The arrival of the new A320s is great news not only for Volaris and the environment,” said Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena. “It is good news also for all of our customers. The new airplanes will let us strengthen our low price strategy to benefit a larger number of Mexicans, while their fuel efficiency and reliability will allow our fleet, the youngest in the country, to be even more friendly to the Mexican skies.”

“This order is important – not just as the largest in Mexico’s aviation history – but also insofar as it enhances the already strong Airbus partnership with one of the leading airlines in that country,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In addition, Volaris will become among the first airlines in Latin America to benefit from the A320neo’s increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.”

Over 8,200 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and nearly 5,000 delivered to some 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, while this aircraft also has considerably a smaller noise footprint.

AIRBUS