Volaris, Aeroméxico Face Two Different Post-Pandemic Realities

In June 2021, ultra-low-cost airline Volaris reported an increase in domestic and international demand of 18.9 percent and 15.5 percent, respectively, when compared to June 2019, reported the company via a press release. The airline also reported a 12.71 percent increase in national passengers and a 19.7 percent increase in international passengers. Volaris, which operates in Mexico, the US and Central America, reached an occupancy rate of 89 percent and a capacity rate of 118 percent when compared to 2019.

Overall, the Mexican airline has seen considerable growth despite the pandemic, leading it to expand its routes and helping it attract international attention. During the Routes Americas 2021 event, the Ministry of Foreign Commerce and Tourism (MINCETUR) of Peru urged Volaris to fly to the country. Through this request, the organization aims “to promote regional tourist destinations and increase frequencies to the US by promoting the entry of low-cost airlines such as GOL, Spirit Airlines and Volaris for interregional flights," said MINCETUR, reports A21. Low-cost airlines support tourism by helping travelers save money during flight so they can spend it at their destination, to the benefit local economies.

Are All Mexican Airlines Thriving?

During June 2021, Aeroméxico saw an increase of 3.6 percent in passenger traffic over the previous month, according to the airline’s press release. Mexico’s flagship airline reported an occupancy rate of 78.1 percent, a one percent increase from May 2021 but a 7 percent decrease from June 2019. However, Aeroméxico’s domestic demand measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) saw a small increase when compared to 2019, being 2.1 percent higher. International demand, on the other hand, fell by 59.1 percent RPK. Between May and June 2021, Aeroméxico increased its capacity to the EU by 25 percent because several countries in the region opened their borders to vaccinated Mexican travelers. This allowed the airline to increase its flights from Mexico City to Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam, by two daily flights, one daily flight and one daily flight, respectively. Thanks to these flights, the airline seems more optimistic and forecast better sales and demand for 2H2021, particularly in the international market, according to A21.