Volaris and Viva Aerobus are Mexican low-cost airlines that have been standing out in the domestic and international market in recent months. The airlines have the two youngest fleets in the country and among the newest in North America.

In recent years, the airlines have been working on their plans to modernize their fleets, not only for the better comfort of their passengers, but also to stand out as environmentally responsible companies. As a result, both carriers were recognized recently for their commitment to maintaining young and efficient fleets for environmental benefit.

These recognitions were granted by Ch-Aviation, a Swiss company founded in 1998 specializing in intelligence and information in civil aeronautics. The Ch-Aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award recognizes airlines from across the globe that keep a young, modern, and efficient fleet.

Having modern aircraft contributes significantly to the reduction of carbon dioxide within the aviation industry due to the efficiencies the engines bring when it comes to fuel use, thus directing the sector towards a sustainable operation.

The Mexican ultra-low-cost airline Viva Aerobus was recognized for having the third-youngest fleet in North America. Right behind Viva Aerobus, Volaris was distinguished for having the fourth-youngest fleet in North America.

A Volaris Airbus A320 sitting at the carrier’s hub at Guadalajara International Airport in Mexico. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Albert Kuan)

This award was given to Viva Aerobus due to its modern fleet, which is comprised of 55 Airbus aircraft, including 40 Airbus A320s and 15 Airbus A321s, with an average age of five years.

Currently, Viva Aerobus is the airline with the lowest amount of carbon dioxide emissions per passenger in Mexico. Among Viva Aerobus’s environmental commitments stands outs its objective to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15% by 2025.

This goal is supported by the carrier’s efficient operation: its high load factor and the technology of its aircraft and engines.

In addition, Viva Aerobus can maintain one of the lowest cost structures due to its fuel savings.

Fleet Additions

The Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier is also showing its firm growth and modernization plan for its fleet, having closed 2021 with 12 more aircraft than at the end of 2020.

During 2021, Volaris received 15 new aircraft, bringing its average fleet age down to 5.4 years, and recently announced a new purchase order for 39 A321neo aircraft, as well as the conversion of 20 A320neo aircraft from its current order to A321neo.

The Airbus neo engines reduce a flight’s impact on the environment by reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 16%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 50% and the sound footprint by up to 75%.

The airlines with the youngest fleets in North America are American low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines and Canadian budget airline Flair Airlines, which were awarded first and second place, respectively.

Worldwide, the airline with the youngest fleet is Uganda Airlines, and Sky Airlines the second. Third is SalamAir with Viva Air in fourth and Flydeal the fifth.

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Juan Pedro Sanchez Zamudio

The three things Juan Pedro loves most about aviation are aircraft, airports, and traveling thousands of miles in just a few hours. What he enjoys the most about aviation is that it is easier and cheaper to travel around the world and this gives you the opportunity to visit places you thought were too far away. He has traveled to different destinations in North, Central, South America and Asia. Born, raised and still living in Perú, Juan is a lawyer, soccer lover, foodie, passionate traveler, dog lover, millennial and curious by nature.

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