Fuente: Viva

  • Will enable more flights at low fares for passengers, strengthening connectivity in Mexico.
  • Will maintain Viva and Volaris identities, brands and operations (including independent operating certificates), preserving existing choice for passengers.
  • Will advance the democratization of travel in Mexico.
  • Will realize economies of scale, strengthening the financial profile of the new airline group.
  • The transaction is subject to conditions and regulatory approvals in Mexico and other jurisdictions where Viva and Volaris operate.

Grupo Viva Aerobus, S.A. de C.V. (“Viva”) and Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) (“Volaris” or “the Company”) today announced that they have entered into an agreement to create a new Mexican airline group (“the airline group”) under a holding company structure, with the objective of expanding low fare travel and the connectivity within Mexico and abroad.

The two carriers will retain their current operations under their independent operating certificates and unique brands, preserving existing options for passengers while broadening access to point-to-point travel solutions.

The transaction is expected to deliver significant benefits to both Viva’s and Volaris’ employees, passengers, communities, suppliers, and shareholders. Simultaneously, the new group will support investments, jobs, air connectivity, tourism, and economic development across Mexico.

With enhanced economies of scale through this new airline group, Viva and Volaris will benefit from lowered fleet ownership costs, improved access to capital, and a strengthened financial position. This will enable both carriers to expand their offering of low-cost, high-value service that makes air travel more accessible to a broader set of customers, with the goal of improving market reach and encouraging demand.

“We expect the formation of the new airline group will allow us to realize significant growth opportunities for air travel in Mexico, in line with the low fare and point-to-point approach that revolutionized the industry over the last two decades,” said Enrique Beltranena, Volaris’ President and CEO. “The economies of scale and expanded distribution capacity will allow us to compete even more effectively in domestic and international markets by lowering fleet ownership costs. This way, we will be able to offer ultra-low-cost fares to even more passengers as we pursue sustainable growth, benefit from a more efficient fleet, and lower costs.”

“We intend this transaction to enable both Viva and Volaris to provide ultra-low-cost fares and more point-to-point travel to even more cities across Mexico and internationally, benefiting not only passengers, but also local economies and communities,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva. “Both airlines, which share a similar low-cost DNA and mindset, have always believed in the importance of making travel more accessible for everyone. Our passengers choose Viva and Volaris for their point-to-point networks, seamless customer service, and low fares, so maintaining our ultra-low-cost strategy is essential not only for sustaining growth, but also for deepening passenger loyalty.

Together, we look forward to continuing to deliver more flights at low cost for our passengers.”Meaningful Expected Benefits for All Stakeholders

For the Mexican Aviation Industry

  • Increases accessibility to the ultra-low-cost model for more passengers. Mexico’s aviation sector can redefine itself as a catalyst for national prosperity and continue advancing the democratization of air travel.
  • Generates economies of scale at the holding company level for a stronger foundation. Recent supply chain setbacks and quality concerns with OEMs and engine manufacturers have had disproportionate impacts on ultra-low-cost carriers’ and smaller carriers’ operating costs. As part of the airline group, Viva and Volaris will realize economies of scale to ensure sustainable growth, fleet optimization, and lowered aircraft ownership costs.
  • Maintains and enhances two leading Mexican brands. Makes Viva and Volaris more resilient and competitive organizations, capable of thriving in dynamic regional markets while still maintaining their ultra-low-cost DNA to stimulate demand.

For Our Passengers

  • Preserves existing choice for passengers. Both Viva and Volaris will retain their current operations under their independent certificates and titles of concession, preserving existing route offerings for passengers, while expanding distribution capacity and exploring collaboration on perks such as their leading frequent flier programs: Doters and Altitude.
  • Creates new domestic travel options and expands access. The formation of the airline group will broaden access to affordable air travel and provide passengers with greater choice and convenience through more point-to-point travel solutions, new operational bases, and enhanced connectivity with potential codeshare agreements between both airlines.
  • Improves international travel capabilities. Viva and Volaris will broaden their reach and continue to deliver ultra-low fares and high standards to communities abroad and tourists visiting Mexico, as well as provide passengers with greater opportunities through global codeshare partnerships and distribution systems.

For Our People

  • Improves job stability for Viva and Volaris employees. Both Viva and Volaris will maintain their operating certificates and employees’ day-to-day work will continue as usual, preserving and protecting jobs.
  • Creates new jobs in local communities. For every aircraft of new service added, between 55 and 60 direct jobs are typically created, with an estimated four times as many indirect jobs created in adjacent sectors, while opening new operating bases creates relocation opportunities and new job offerings.
  • Creates new growth opportunities for Viva and Volaris employees. The new airline group will be well positioned to invest in its fleet, technology, infrastructure, training centers, maintenance facilities, and tools, resulting in the growth of well-paid employment opportunities. For Our Communities.
  • Transforms economies across Mexico. Viva and Volaris will be able to increase operations in the Mexico City metropolitan area, including at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, and open new operating bases nationwide, driving development at the same rapid pace seen in existing bases such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancun, the Mexico City metropolitan area and Tijuana.
  • Supports other related industries. Tourism, VFR and business travel will benefit significantly from the establishment of the new airline group, bolstering the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors, which are vital engines of national growth.• Improves connectivity and broadens access. The airline group’s ultra-low-fare model will play an important role in connecting communities across Latin America, the U.S. and Canada expanding reach in dynamic markets.

For Our Shareholders

  • Drives lower aircraft ownership costs through a strengthened financial profile. The new airline group expects to have optimized unit costs, low leverage and better access to lower-cost capital.
  • Provides better opportunities for growth. With lower fleet costs, both Viva and Volaris willvcontinue to pursue sustainable growth driven by customer demand.
  • Creates significant shareholder value. Viva and Volaris operate with a high degree of compatibility across fleet, airport infrastructure, technology, reservation systems, suppliers, and technical capabilities, driving substantial potential for synergies.

Transaction Details

Viva and Volaris have entered into an agreement to create a new Mexican airline group. Under the terms of the agreement, Viva and Volaris shareholders will combine their holding companies through a merger of equals. Upon closing, Viva shareholders will receive newly issued shares of the Volaris Holding Company, and Volaris shareholders will continue to hold their shares, with each shareholder group owning 50% of the Mexican airline group on a fully diluted basis.

The Boards of Directors of both Viva and Volaris unanimously approved the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions, and approval by Viva’s and Volaris’ shareholders. The transaction is expected to close in 2026. The shares of the holding company will remain listed publicly on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Leadership and Governance

Both Viva and Volaris will continue operating as separate entities, with their current existing leadership structures in place. Upon closing, the airline holding group will be overseen by a Board of Directors comprised of members from both Viva and Volaris. The new airline group will be chaired by Roberto Alcántara Rojas, current chairman of the board of Viva.