Bloomberg — Mexico’s Grupo Viva Aerobus SAB signed a preliminary order for 90 Airbus SE A321 jets as the carrier looks to expand its international and domestic operations.
The European planemaker said that the so-called memorandum of understanding would bring Viva’s order book to 170 A320 family aircraft. Separately, jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney said that the new aircraft would be powered by its GTF engines.
Bloomberg News first reported last month that Airbus was in talks with Viva for a large narrowbody aircraft order.
Viva had a fleet of 70 Airbus aircraft at the end March, consisting of a variety of A320 and longer A321 models, according to the carrier’s website. The airline said it has the youngest fleet in Mexico and one of the most up-to-date in North America.
Until recently, Viva Aerobus was fourth in Mexico’s domestic market by passengers, carrying 9.1 million domestic travelers in 2018. It trailed Volaris, Aeromexico and Interjet. Now the airline has overtaken legacy carrier Grupo Aeromexico SAB in domestic passengers, increasing the need for additional aircraft to drive growth.
Viva’s announcement comes on the heels of local competitor’s Volaris during Air Show 2023 in Paris, where it announced plans to purchase 25 A321neo aircraft. Volaris’ order also considers Pratt & Whitney engines.
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