Largest Airbus customer in Mexico first to operate best-selling, fuel-efficient aircraft

Low-cost carrier Volaris took delivery of its first A320neo, making the airline the first operator of the A320neo in North America. Volaris is Mexico’s largest Airbus customer, having ordered 74 A320 Family aircraft, including 30 A320neo. The all-Airbus operator became a customer in 2006, and since then has become Mexico’s biggest A320 Family operator with 63 A320 Family aircraft in service, including 17 A319, 42 A320 and four A321.

The A320neo for Volaris is powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100-JM engines and leased through AerCap. Configured to seat up to 186 passengers in 18”-wide seats, Volaris’ A320neo will be equipped with the innovative Space-Flex cabin.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020.

“The arrival of the A320neo symbolizes an important step in our ambitious ultra low-cost strategy,” said Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris. “Volaris is delighted to be the first to bring this new technology to passengers in North America.”

“Airbus is honored to deliver the first A320neo in North America to Volaris, an all-Airbus operator for more than 10 years,” said Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean. “Mexico’s strong economic growth presents a key opportunity for the country’s top airlines such as Volaris to expand and remain environmentally efficient, and the A320neo will be exceptional in achieving this for Volaris.”

“Pratt & Whitney extends its congratulations to AerCap, Volaris and Airbus on the delivery of today’s A320neo. We are proud to be part of the team bringing the first A320neo to North America,” said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president, Sales, Marketing and Customer Service for Pratt & Whitney.

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with nearly 4,800 orders from 87 customers since its launch in 2010 capturing some 60 percent share of the market. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320neo Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard. Including Volaris’ A320neo delivered today, 18 A320neo aircraft have been delivered to seven customers.