Viva brand to expand throughout Central and South America

Irelandia Aviation and Grupo IAMSA, operators of VivaAerobus and VivaColombia, announced (03-Oct-2014) plans to expand the Viva airline brand in Central and South America. Grupo Viva is being established as a multinational airline holding company based in Panama City, Panama. The new group will be responsible for further developing the Viva brand beyond current operations in Mexico and Colombia, maximising cost synergies and operational efficiencies across the group, and centralising key management functions. Irelandia Aviation COO and partner Tony Davis has appointed as CEO, while COPA Airlines SVP of commercial operations Joe Mohan has been appointed as president and COO. Irelandia Aviation managing partner Declan Ryan will be a principal investor. Mr Ryan noted, "We are convinced that there are tremendous opportunities for our ultra-low-cost airline model to expand in the region. With our existing airlines already well-established in Mexico and Colombia, together with our order last year for 52 new Airbus A320 aircraft, this is the right time to establish Grupo Viva." [more - original PR]