Volaris

Volaris: Mexico’s Low-Cost Airline Giant

Imagine a bustling airport in Mexico City, where planes take off and land like bees buzzing around a hive. That’s the scene you’d witness if Volaris were the beekeeper, managing one of the busiest hives in the country. Volaris (Concesionaria Vuela Compañía de Aviación S. A. B. de C. V.) is Mexico’s largest low-cost airline by passengers transported, operating from Santa Fe to Tijuana and beyond.

A Brief History of Volaris

Volaris was born in August 2005 under the name Vuela Airlines, with a lineup of major shareholders including Grupo Televisa, Inbursa, TACA Airlines, and Discovery Americas Fund. The airline hit the skies on March 13, 2006, with its first scheduled revenue flight. Since then, Volaris has grown from a fledgling carrier to a powerhouse in the Mexican aviation industry.

Expanding Horizons

Over the years, Volaris has expanded its operations significantly. In June 2012, it launched its VClub, a frequent flyer program that rewards loyalty and offers exclusive deals. The airline also partnered with Condor in September 2012, opening up new international routes. By March 2016, Volaris had taken the next step by creating a subsidiary, Volaris Costa Rica.

Domestic Dominance and International Reach

With a market share of 42% in Mexico’s domestic market, Volaris is not just a player but the leader. It serves both domestic and international destinations within the Americas, with hubs in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Tijuana. The airline’s expansion into the US from Toluca and Guadalajara, feeding into Southwest Airlines’ hubs, marked a significant milestone.

Low-Cost Carrier Operations

Volaris operates with a single class of service, known for its high-density seating. While complimentary meals and drinks are not provided, passengers can purchase items from the ‘Entre nubes’ buy on board program. This approach keeps costs down, making air travel more affordable for everyone.

Notable Facts About Volaris

Volaris has a rich history of innovation and community engagement. For instance, every new plane is named after someone or something special—be it a person’s name or the name of a country they serve. The airline even created two safety videos featuring Claudia Lizaldi and young children, making air travel seem more approachable for all.

Logos and Slogans

The Volaris logo has been a colorful, pixelated star against a black background since its launch in 2005. Over the years, it has used various slogans to capture the essence of travel and affordability:

• “Lo quieres, lo tienes” (You want it, you got it.)
• “Vive viajando” (Live travelling)
• “Tu decides” (You decide)
• “Queremos que todo el mundo vuele” (We want the whole world to fly)
• “Precios que te hacen viajar” (Prices that make you travel)
• “Avión a precio de camión” (The plane at the price of a bus)
• “Don’t just fly, vuela”

Fleet and Future Developments

Volaris operates a modern fleet, including Airbus A320neo and A321neo. The airline became the first North American operator of the Airbus A320neo in September 2016 and has since ordered over 470 aircraft from the Airbus A320neo family.

On December 8, 2024, a shocking incident occurred when a passenger tried to enter the cockpit of a Volaris aircraft flying from Leon to Tijuana. This event highlights the ongoing challenges and security measures in air travel.

Conclusion

Volaris has grown from a small airline with big dreams into Mexico’s largest low-cost carrier, serving millions of passengers each year. Its journey is a testament to innovation, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to affordability. As Volaris continues to expand its fleet and explore new destinations, it remains at the forefront of the aviation industry in Latin America.