Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier VivaAerobus has taken delivery of its first new A320, following the hand-over of the aircraft at the Airbus Delivery Center in Toulouse.
VivaAerobus’ first Airbus A320 is from an order the Mexican carrier placed in 2013 for 12 A320s and 40 A320neos, which is the manufacturer’s largest single order from a Mexican customer.
Viva Aerobus’ first new Airbus A320 taxis towards the runway at Toulouse Blagnac Airport for its delivery flight on April 15, 2015, following the hand-over of the aircraft to the Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier
Monterrey-based VivaAerobus already operates six leased A320s and will become an all-Airbus operator as it completes its fleet transition to the A320 and A320neo by replacing, by early 2016, 19 737-300s now in its fleet.
Including its first new A320, all VivaAerobus’ A320’s are powered by IAE V2500-A5 engines. Its A320neo will be powered by Pratt and Whitney PW1100G-JM geared turbofan engines.
The aircraft will be deployed on the airline’s domestic network and international routes to the United States.
On April 15, 2015, VivaAerobus took delivery of the first of 10 new A320s the Mexican carrier ordered in 2013, along with 40 A320neos. It ordered the Airbus jets, and agreed to lease a number of used A320s, to replace its existing fleet of Boeing 737-300s
“Our new fleet of A320s will enable VivaAerobus to continue enhancing our operational efficiencies by lowering our costs and fares for our passengers, while offering a significant upgrade with the A320 cabin comfort,” says Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of VivaAerobus.
VivaAerobus is jointly owned by IAMSA, Mexico’s largest bus company, and Irelandia, a global low-cost-carrier airline developer group which includes the Ryan family, also part-owners of Ryanair.
