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Volaris
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- Y4/VOI
- Airline Type:
- Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Guadalajara International Airport, Mexico City International Airport, Tijuana International Airport
- Year Founded:
- 2005
- CEO:
- Enrique Beltranena
- Country:
- Mexico
Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris is having a record year in terms of carried passengers, and it is leaving behind its closest competitors, Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus. So far, between January and April, Volaris has had 50% more passengers than these two airlines. Let’s find out more.
Volaris’ strong performance
Volaris is already moving away from Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus, carrying 50% more passengers than these two airlines so far. This low-cost carrier has had 8.6 million passengers in the first four months of the year. That number represents a 59% growth compared to Volaris' 2021 levels which is outstanding. Remember, in 2021, Volaris had a record year, carrying the largest number of passengers in its history, fully rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier has been able to grow strong in the domestic market. It has also launched routes to new destinations, like Colombia (Bogotá and Medellín) and Perú (Lima).
Despite the solid operational start, Volaris began 2022 with a net loss in the first quarter. Volaris posted a net loss of US$49 million in the quarter or a loss per share of four cents.
Enrique Beltranena, President and Chief Executive Officer at Volaris, said,
“2022 started with sharply rising fuels and a new surge in COVID cases. Strong demand trends remained, however, and we are observing less and less of a disruption in demand from new COVID cases and customers recognizing Volaris’ reliability.”
According to data provided by Cirium, Volaris is currently operating around 500 flights per day, employing its fleet of 104 aircraft, composed of six Airbus A319s, 81 Airbus A320ss, and 17 Airbus A321s.
Leaving behind its competition
In 2019 Volaris became Mexico’s leading airline. The ultra-low-cost carrier surpassed Aeromexico in the domestic market, and now it is close to doing the same in the international segment.
While Volaris has carried 8.6 million passengers between January and April, Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus remain well behind.
Aeromexico has carried 5.7 million passengers in the year (1.7 million in the international segment, plus four million in the domestic one). Viva Aerobus has had 5.4 million travelers (4.9 domestic and 542,052 international travelers).
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These numbers show Volaris alone has carried 50% more passengers than these two airlines.
Looking into the future, Volaris’ projections look very promising. The airline still has to receive 127 new aircraft, which will help increase Volaris’ capacity, renew its fleet and launch many new routes. This week alone, Volaris announced the launch of 16 new routes from Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport and Toluca International Airport.
Mexico’s recovery
So far, in 2022, Mexico has recovered 98% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels. The country has had 32.4 million passengers until April (versus the 33.1 million passengers in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Volaris has a 43% market share among the Mexican carriers. Aeromexico has a 28.5% market share and Viva Aerobus a 27% share.
Domestically, the Mexican airlines have carried 16.58 million passengers in 2022, surpassing by 1.5% the numbers posted in 2019. Internationally, they have carried 3.7 million passengers, recovering 72.6% of their pre-pandemic levels.
What do you think is Volaris’ recipe for success? Let us know in the comments below.