Mexican Unions Clash Over Volaris-Viva Aerobus Merger

Mexican aviation labor unions are sharply divided over the proposed merger between low-cost carriers Volaris and Viva Aerobus, as federal antitrust regulators evaluate a transaction that would consolidate approximately 70% of the domestic airline market under a new parent company, Grupo Más Vuelos.

The Trade Union of Workers of the Aeronautical and Similar Industry of the Mexican Republic (STIA), which holds collective bargaining agreements for employees at both Volaris and Viva Aerobus, issued a statement reiterating its support for the consolidation. STIA leadership argued that the transaction would benefit the broader industry and enhance job security.

“If realized, this integration has the potential to strengthen labor stability and open new employment and development opportunities for our members, thanks to the growth of routes, greater connectivity, operations, and specialized technical staff needs it would bring with it,” STIA stated in a release.

STIA, led by Jorge Romero, positioned itself as the most representative labor organization in the domestic airline sector, emphasizing its direct relationship with the two carriers involved.

“We are those who maintain the direct labor relationship with Viva and Volaris, and therefore those who have the responsibility, and the first-hand information, to speak about the working conditions that this process implies for each and every one of their workers,” the union noted.

STIA’s endorsement contrasts directly with the position taken by the Air Line Pilots Association (ASPA), which represents pilots at rival carrier Grupo Aeroméxico and cargo operator MAS. Speaking during the labor group’s 68th anniversary event, ASPA Secretary General Jesús Ortiz confirmed that the union submitted a formal negative opinion to Mexico’s antitrust authority in response to an 11-question labor questionnaire.

“We do not see this type of concentration as appropriate for labor reasons because with contracts, salaries are then going downward,” Ortiz said.

ASPA cautioned that concentrating the workforce under a single major employer could depress wage levels across the entire Mexican aviation market. The pilots' union also raised concerns over low-cost carriers seeking to utilize foreign flight crews, warning that such practices could set a negative precedent for domestic industry standards. The union's current stance represents a shift from earlier in the year, when it had initially expressed support for the alliance.

While labor groups debate the employment impact, Mexico’s antitrust authority continues to review the commercial aspects of the transaction to determine whether the combination generates an impermissible monopoly or can be approved with or without regulatory conditions.

According to Volaris, the antitrust review remains ongoing as carriers respond to official information requests. Volaris expects regulators to issue a decision on the proposed merger before the end of this year.

Under the proposed structure, Volaris and Viva Aerobus would maintain their distinct consumer brands under Grupo Más Vuelos. The carriers are pursuing the merger to secure better aircraft leasing terms, drive operational efficiencies, and expand their combined route presence in the United States transborder market.