Mexican carrier Volaris signs MOU for 44 A320 aircraft

Volaris A319-133 (c/n 3069) XA-VOE "Erick" taxies from Rwy 25L following it's arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) on November 5, 2011.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 44 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising of 30 A320neo and 14 A320 Family aircraft. The order makes Volaris the first airline to order the A320neo in Mexico. Engine selection will be announced by the airline 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 are expected to help Volaris continue their expansion and renew their fleet. The airline currently operates 33 Airbus aircraft and has a backlog of 15 more.

“Fuel efficiency and reliability are critical to keeping Volaris among the top low-cost carriers in Mexico,” said Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris. “These new A320s will allow us to maintain the youngest fleet in the country, while further improving our environmental performance.”

“We are very proud to see Volaris, an all Airbus operator, grow into one of the leading airlines of Mexico,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Volaris will now be among the first customers in Latin America to benefit from the A320neo’s increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.”

Over 8,100 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, whilst also having a much smaller noise footprint.

(Airbus Press Release)