Volaris Sees Fleet Recovery by Late 2026

Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris is navigating a transition period in its fleet operations due to ongoing inspections of Pratt & Whitney engines, though management expects gradual improvement through the end of 2026. In a recent conference call with financial analysts, CEO Enrique Beltranena said, “We anticipate a more significant acceleration in aircraft returning to service as we move into the summer and the second half of the year.” He added that the airline is proactively advancing certain maintenance events to improve delivery timelines and fleet availability.

Volaris expects 25 aircraft to be temporarily out of service this year, reflecting the impact of the global Pratt & Whitney engine inspection program on its narrowbody fleet. “Our capacity decisions have been and will remain firmly anchored in customer demand and sustained profitability,” Beltranena said. The airline’s flexible fleet and engine management framework allows it to dynamically adjust aircraft deployment as operating conditions evolve, minimizing disruptions to passenger service while protecting financial stability.

Fleet and Operational Management

Volaris’ operational strategy focuses on reducing downtime linked to engine inspections while preserving maximum flexibility. The airline is bringing forward preventive maintenance events to accelerate aircraft returns and optimize fleet efficiency. Deployment decisions are guided by real-time demand metrics and financial performance data to ensure that temporary groundings do not compromise overall service quality or margins.

The situation reflects broader industry dynamics. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that delivery delays and rising compliance costs will remain key challenges for airlines in 2026. In 2025, delivery delays added more than US$11 billion in incremental costs, driven by higher fuel and maintenance expenses as airlines operated fleets that were, on average, two years older than historical norms due to supply chain disruptions.

Engine availability has become a structural bottleneck, particularly for heavily utilized narrowbody fleets. Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan inspections left some carriers, including Wizz Air, with around 40 aircraft temporarily grounded in 2025. Airlines globally have responded by leasing short-term capacity, deferring route launches and extending the service life of older aircraft, underscoring the operational and financial strain across the sector.

Strategic Alliance with Viva

Beyond fleet management, Volaris is advancing strategic initiatives. In December, the airline signed an agreement with Viva, Mexico’s other major ultra-low-cost carrier, to create a group aimed at accelerating expansion in domestic and international low-cost markets. Beltranena described the move as “a natural step to broaden access to low-cost travel while preserving the unique offerings of each airline’s brand and options for passengers.”

Both airlines operate compatible ultra-low-cost models and Airbus narrowbody fleets, enabling potential operational synergies and improved flexibility. Regulatory processes are progressing, with Volaris having submitted its application to Mexico’s Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE) and responded to initial information requests. The airline said it remains in active dialogue with authorities to ensure compliance and smooth implementation.

Volaris plans to publish the transaction prospectus on March 5, ahead of an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting scheduled for March 25. The company expects the regulatory review to take up to 12 months from the alliance’s announcement. Management said it will continue updating stakeholders as the process advances, with the objective of strengthening both carriers’ position in the ultra-low-cost segment and enabling expansion into new markets.

Managing Operational Disruptions

A technical and financial analysis by aviation consultant Armando Sánchez Mata found that Volaris averaged 30.5 aircraft grounded per month over the past 27 months due to inspections of PW1100G and PW1400G engines. The study, covering September 2023 through November 2025, used data from Airfleets, Flightradar24 and Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), including operations in Costa Rica and El Salvador. Grounded aircraft were defined as those that had not operated a commercial flight for at least 70 days.

To mitigate capacity constraints during peak demand, Volaris requested temporary authorization from AFAC to wet-lease up to seven aircraft for a maximum of 43 days during the December–January high season. The measure, supported by the Aeronautical Industry Workers’ Union (STIA), was designed to preserve service continuity without affecting labor rights, job stability or contractual conditions.

Beltranena also confirmed that Volaris plans to incorporate three new Airbus aircraft into its fleet in the coming days, reinforcing capacity ahead of peak travel periods. The decision follows concerns raised by the Mexican College of Pilots and the Pilots’ Union Association regarding the resumption of wet-lease operations beginning Dec. 1.