Mexico is getting a new airline and if the carrier meets all expectations it will go a long way in helping Mexican air traffic double over just the next three years. Volaris Airlines, started by Mexican billionaires Carlos Slim and Emilio Azcarraga, is expecting to take its first flight on March 13, 2006. Volaris may impact the airline business well beyond Mexico especially if its aggressive expansion plans work out.
With the Mexican government in the process of divesting its interest in two airlines, Aero Mexico and Mexicana Airlines, start up carriers are poised to jump in and contribute aid as fares drop and request surges. Up to now, the highly controlled Mexican airline business has put a damper on customer request as artificially high prices and a restricted market have kept customers away. Volaris Airlines, along with competing start up airline, Interjet, are foreseen, to speedily reshape the Mexican airline business beginning this year.
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Volaris is planning to serve at least six Mexican cities and ultimately contribute aid between Mexican and U.S. Destinations. No word how all of this will impact wannabe start up Mexus Airlines, currently operating as a "paper carrier" with no concrete plans [or funding] to start flying.
Volaris plans on flying 16 A319 aircraft and has an selection on 40 A320 aircraft. Taca International Airlines, based in El Salvador, will hold a minority stake in the airline. If all goes well with Volaris, expect the Mexican airline business to go straight through a shake up similar to what the U.S. Airline business has experienced.
Source: Houston Chronicle, January 13, 2006
Volaris Airlines - A New Airline For Mexico
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