Las low-cost airlines Viva Aerobus and Volaris They together transported 58.4 million passengers during 2023, which means a new record.
Volaris, for example, provided service to 33 million 497 thousand users while Viva almost reached 25 million passengers. In 2023, the two airlines led the Mexican market with a share of more than 70 percent.
By 2024, both companies will face the revision of GTF engines of Pratt & Whitney present on its A320 Neo aircraft, which could affect its performance.
WE RECOMMEND YOU: Low-cost airlines dominate the Mexican market
We close 2023 with a solid traffic and demand environment. Demand trends remain robust for the beginning of 2024, following the favorable market dynamics observed in recent months. With the second phase of preventive inspections on Pratt & Whitney GTF engines beginning in early 2024, we remain focused on operating reliably and safely, maintaining our disciplined capacity deployment,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. .
Due to reviews, at least between 15 and 20% of the Viva Aerobus fleet will have to stay grounded while the engines are being overhauled. To avoid mishaps, the company will carry out wet leases that will allow you to bring planes from abroad operated by crew members certified by their place of origin. The airline has the endorsement of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), as well as the union, to carry out these movements and has guaranteed the protection of 100% of sources of employment.
For his part, the president of Volaris, Enrique Beltranenatrusted that 2024 will be a good year, since the reservation curve for the first quarter is positive.
Our reserves curve gives us confidence that demand will be maintained during the first quarter of the year.”
According to Seeking Alpha, 57 Volaris aircraft are under retirement announcement of engines, which could significantly affect their operations. To mitigate the effect, Volaris announced that it will extend 18 aircraft lease contracts that expired in 2024 and 2025. In addition, it will incorporate 24 new aircraft in the next two years.
GLOBAL PROBLEM
He global travel data provider, Official Airline Guide (OAG), foresees that 2024 will be a year of challenges for the global airline sector It is expected that the problem with the overhaul of Pratt & Whitney engines reaches its maximum, which could ground up to 300 aircraft worldwide.
Pratt & Whitney made two engine recall announcements, the first in July last year for 200 of its GTF engines found predominantly in the Airbus 320 Neo and then in September when it expanded the recall to 700 engines, or 350 aircraft that They need between 250 and 350 days for review and maintenance.
CHECK THE BREAKING NEWS HERE
*sort of
