Mexican ultra-low-cost airline Viva Aerobus and aircraft giant Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 90 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The huge aircraft deal announced on July 5, 2023, brings the airline’s order with Airbus to 170 A320 family aircraft.
Viva Aerobus has based its fleet renewal strategy on the A320 family. In 2013, the airline placed an order for 52 A320 aircraft, the largest Airbus aircraft order placed by a single airline in Mexico at the time.
This was followed in 2018 with a deal for 25 A321neo aircraft. To date, Viva Aerobus operates 74 A320 family aircraft.
Viva Aerobus has also selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power the additional 90 Airbus aircraft orders, the first of which is expected to be delivered in 2027.
“These 90 A321neo 240-seater aircraft will allow us to grow and renew our fleet and remain the youngest in Latin America. The technology and operational efficiency of the A321neos will improve our operational reliability, on-time performance, and provide unmatched passenger experience. Additionally, we expect to drive further cost-savings which will reflect in lower airfares and strengthen one of our most important advantages: having the lowest cost in the Americas,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo family while incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings compared to previous single-aisle generation aircraft.
“The Mexican leisure market is in full recovery mode and Viva Aerobus is at the center of the action! The unbeatable economics of the A321neo make it the perfect choice for the airline’s ultra-low cost model. We are pleased to have been a partner with the airline since 2013 and look forward to working together as it continues on its growth trajectory,” said Christian Scherer, CCO and head of Airbus International.
Airbus has sold over 1,150 aircraft in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 750 are in operation throughout the region, with another 500 in the order backlog, representing a market share of nearly 60% of in-service passenger aircraft.
Since 1994, Airbus has secured 75% of net orders in the region.