With the certainty that the ultra-low-cost model is the new way of flying in Mexico and that it has driven the reactivation after the impact of Covid-19, Juan Carlos Zuazua, director of VivaAerobus, wants to finalize the alliance with Allegiant next year Air, its counterpart from the United States, to seek leadership in air operations between the two countries.
American Airlines is currently the company with the most cross-border activity.
In his first estimates, he considered that there is a potential of 250 routes to fly directly and with affordable rates, which will allow both countries to benefit from greater tourist flows.
Among the new points that can be connected are: South Bend, Indiana-Cancun or San Antonio-Puerto Vallarta.
“The plan is to have a very important connectivity in the attractive Mexico-US market. The American really likes to come to Mexico, but they don’t like wasting time in airports and hubs like Atlanta, Miami, Dallas or Houston. What he wants is to spend as little time as possible between his home, the airport and his destination ”, said the manager.
In an interview, Zuazua said that within six months both companies can have the corresponding authorizations in Mexico and the US, since they are not currently competing companies. However, they will not accelerate the rest of the processes, so the plan is that during the first quarter of 2023 they begin operations as an alliance
In addition to the experience and knowledge of the national market, achieved in its 15 years of life, VivaAerobus has among its strengths its unremovable plan to increase its fleet (at the end of this year they will have 55 aircraft and in five years they want to reach 100). Meanwhile, Allegiant Air now has 106 aircraft.
– They celebrate their anniversary by announcing an alliance with a low-cost airline in the US, what’s next for VivaAerobus?
– We have revolutionized and transformed the way you travel in Mexico. It is clear that today traveling at low cost is a reality and we have managed to connect many destinations that previously did not have direct connectivity. The facts speak: we have the lowest rates on the market, 700 pesos average this year, which is less than what many airports charge for the use of TUA and less than what many taxis charge to take you to the hotel in destinations.
– How has the situation been reflected?
– Every day about 7% of our passengers travel for the first time and we move 45,000 passengers daily and those who already travel do so more frequently. In addition, almost 20% of all take a bus, through the alliance with IAMSA, to complement their trip.
– You have been a director of the airline since its inception, have the plans been fulfilled?
– Clear. The last five-year plan got us where we are today. In 2013 we placed the first aircraft order, 55, which was the largest for Airbus at the time. We will close the year with 55 aircraft and in 2026 we will reach one hundred. On routes, today we operate 120, of which 100 are national and the rest to the US and Colombia. In five years we want to double the domestic ones and the foreign ones grow them five times.
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx