Loading
22-Oct-2013 8:44 AM

VivaAerobus signs purchase agreement for 52 A320-family aircraft; largest Airbus order in Latam

VivaAerobus signed (21-Oct-2013) a purchase agreement for 40 A320neos and 12 A320ceos, the largest ever Airbus aircraft order by a single carrier in Latin America, on its way to featuring an all-Airbus fleet by 2016. Engine selection will be announced "at a later date". The aircraft will replace VivaAerobus' current all-Boeing 737-300 fleet, while the deal is worth USD5.1 billion at list prices. VivaAerobus CEO Juan Carlos Zuazua said deliveries will take place between 2014 and 2021, and that the carrier also has options on another 40 A320neos (Reuters, 21-Oct-2013). On financing which has yet to be finalised, Mr Zuazua said the "optimal mix" would be 60% purchased and 40% leased. Mr Zuazua stated, "After evaluating the latest aircraft technology with the objective of further reducing our costs, improving our reliability, punctuality and the overall passenger experience, today we are proud to announce that the Airbus A320 has been our final choice...This decision will support our growth strategy, as it will allow us to further reduce our industry leading fares, and will increase the cost-per-seat advantage we currently have among our competitors." Airbus COO customers John Leahy stated, "The A320 Family offers the best productivity, the lowest operating costs, the fastest turnarounds and best fuel efficiency of any single-aisle aircraft." Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet in Latin America in the past 10 years, delivering more than 60% of all aircraft operating in the region with 500 in operation and 400 yet to be delivered. VivaAerobus currently operates 19 737-300s with an average age of 21 years, according to the CAPA Fleet Database. [more - original PR]

Want More News Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More