Source: Volaris
Volaris* (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR), the ultra-low-cost airline serving Mexico, the United States and Central America, reported April2020 preliminary traffic results.
In April 2020, capacity measured by ASMs (Available Seat Miles) decreased by 82.4% vs the same period of last year, while demand measured by RPMs (Revenue Passenger Miles) decreased 81.8% year over year. Volaris transported a total of 307 thousand passengers during the month of April, a decrease of 83.4% year over year. Network-wide load factor for April 2020 was 87.4%.
These decreases were a result of the decline in demand of air travel services related to the virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, which affected Volaris in the month of April, as announced in the capacity guidance issued by the Company.
On April 21st, 2020, the Mexican General Health Council announced “Phase 3” of the spread of the COVID-19, the most serious stage in Mexico, extending governmental restrictions to contain the COVID-19 until May 31, 2020. Going forward, Volaris announced a capacity reduction, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs) for the month of May 2020, of approximately 90% versus the originally scheduled capacity.
Volaris’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Enrique Beltranena, commenting on the traffic results for April 2020, said: “I am especially proud of the job of our ambassadors and their selfless attitude facing this unprecedented challenge. Volaris is taking crucial actions to prioritize the health of our ambassadors and customers while protecting the business. We are implementing decisive actions to mitigate the operational and financial impacts of COVID-19 pandemic by making deep schedule reductions for April and May, drastically reducing spending and carefully managing our liquidity position. We are not hesitating to make difficult decisions to ensure the long-term success of our airline.”
In addition, during April “Avión Ayuda Volaris“, the program that encompasses the sustainability efforts of the airline, transported health equipment destined for professionals fighting COVID-19 in 14 different cities in Mexico, as well as ventilators aimed at preserving lives in Baja California.