ASPA Slams Viva for Firing Five Pilots, Flags Wet Lease Issue

Jesús Ortiz Álvarez, secretary general of the Asociación Sindical de Pilotos Aviadores de México (ASPA), criticized Viva for a lack of transparency in terminating five pilots’ contracts, representing 0.51% of its 970-pilot workforce. ASPA also raised concerns about the continued employment of 30 foreign pilots and five flight attendants under a wet lease agreement, set to expire on Sept. 30.

“It is inconsistent that the airline terminated contracts of Mexican pilots with up to 10 years of service while continuing to operate with foreign crews,” Ortiz said. He called on the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) and the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) to clarify the end date for the use of foreign crews.

The use of foreign crews stems from a wet lease authorized by AFAC in November 2023, which allows Viva to operate foreign-registered aircraft and pilots to manage grounding issues linked to Pratt & Whitney engine inspections. Sources at Viva said Mexican pilots with European certifications have gradually replaced foreign crews, reducing the number of foreign pilots to 30 (3.09% of the workforce), who are expected to leave by September’s end.

Viva attributed the workforce adjustments to shifts in market demand. In internal communications, the airline noted that these changes will also affect vacation schedules, training programs, and include unpaid leave options. 

“We have decided to end the employment relationship with a specific group of collaborators. This is not a mass layoff but a targeted, fair, and necessary measure to maintain team balance and stability,” the airline stated.

Despite the layoffs, Viva’s recent traffic report showed a 7.8% passenger increase during the summer, reflecting stable demand, according to director Juan Carlos Zuazua. The airline emphasized that the employees affected are those whose performance or alignment with company objectives did not meet standards.

Viva highlighted that dismissals were prompted by recurrent absenteeism, lack of transparency, negative attitudes, and operational non-compliance. The airline stressed that upholding operational standards and company values made these personnel adjustments necessary.

Ángel Domínguez Catzín, president of the Colegio de Pilotos Aviadores de México (CPAM), noted that regulatory compliance, internal restructuring, or disciplinary issues may explain Viva’s actions. He reiterated opposition to replacing Mexican pilots with foreign crews.

Earlier, ASPA accused Viva of violating the Constitution, labeling the use of foreign crews as “mini cabotage.” However, AFAC authorized the wet lease arrangements, which the airline maintains are temporary. Despite this, foreign crews remain in operation, prompting ASPA to call on authorities to terminate the leases.

ASPA reaffirmed its commitment to defending Mexican pilots’ jobs: “We will go to the utmost consequences to protect what we have long called for—jobs for Mexican pilots.”

Currently, Viva operates 13 aircraft under wet lease: 10 crewed by Mexican pilots and three by mixed crews. After foreign crews depart, the airline will have 935 Mexican pilots. The airline emphasized that the adjustments affect only a small portion of its workforce and aim to maintain operations while meeting regulatory requirements.