Viva Aerobus Uses 21 Wet Lease Aircraft Amid Maintenance Issues

Viva Aerobus currently operates 21 aircraft under wet lease as the airline navigates maintenance challenges and regulatory compliance. 

In an interview with A21, Francisco Rubio Castro, Director, Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), clarified that while AFAC does not directly oversee the wet leasing process, it ensures that maintenance on these leased aircraft meets regulatory standards. The agency verifies that maintenance records from the original operators align with those required by the receiving airline.

The need for wet leasing by Viva Aerobus is partly due to extended engine maintenance issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. Rubio Castro noted that recent maintenance for these engines could take up to a year. As of July, Viva Aerobus had 21 wet-leased aircraft and must ensure that maintenance at these facilities complies with current regulations.

AFAC's oversight includes checking that maintenance workshops follow updated manuals and maintain accurate technical and personnel records. While the Directorate of Civil Aviation handles the issuance of Air Operator Certificates (AOC), it relies on several other AFAC divisions for support. These include the Directorate of Control for pilot and crew training manuals, the Directorate of Operational Safety for risk analysis, and the Directorate of Security of Civil Aviation for verification of security manuals.

Rubio Castro emphasized that AFAC managed 26,600 applications last year, averaging nearly 100 per day, with about 13,000 processed in the first half of 2024. Despite the increasing workload, AFAC operates with a consistent team of 49 inspectors. He also noted that the inclusion of military personnel in civil aviation is not unusual, citing similar practices in other countries, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).