A TRANSACTION BENEFITING STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS MEXICO AND BEYOND
- Preserves existing choice for passengers. Both Volaris and Viva will retain their current operations under their independent certificates and titles of concession, preserving existing route offerings for passengers, while expanding distribution capacity and exploring collaboration on perks such as their leading frequent flier programs: Doters and Altitude.
- Creates new domestic travel options and expands access. The formation of the airline group will broaden access to affordable air travel and provide passengers with greater choice and convenience through more point-to-point travel solutions, new operational bases, and enhanced connectivity with potential codeshare agreements between both airlines.
- Improves international travel capabilities. Volaris and Viva will broaden their reach and continue to deliver ultra-low fares and high standards to communities abroad and tourists visiting Mexico, as well as provide passengers with greater opportunities through global codeshare partnerships and distribution systems.
- Improves job stability for Volaris and Viva employees. Both Volaris and Viva will maintain their operating certificates and employees’ day-to-day work will continue as usual, preserving and protecting jobs.
- Creates new jobs in local communities. For every aircraft of new service added, between 55 and 60 direct jobs are created, with an estimated four times as many indirect jobs created in adjacent sectors, while opening new operating bases creates relocation opportunities and new job offerings.
- Creates new growth opportunities for Volaris and Viva employees. The new airline group will be well positioned to invest in its fleet, technology, infrastructure, training centers, maintenance facilities, and tools, resulting in the growth of well-paid employment opportunities.
- Transforms economies across Mexico. Volaris and Viva will be able to increase operations in the Mexico City metropolitan area, including at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, and open new operating bases nationwide, driving development at the same rapid pace seen in existing bases such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancun, the Mexico City metropolitan area and Tijuana.
- Supports other related industries. Tourism, VFR and business travel will benefit significantly from the establishment of the new airline group, bolstering the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors, which are vital engines of national growth.
- Improves connectivity and broadens access. The airline group’s ultra-low-fare model will play an important role in connecting communities across Latin America, the U.S. and Canada expanding reach in dynamic markets.
- Increases accessibility to the ultra-low-cost model for more passengers. Mexico’s aviation sector can redefine itself as a catalyst for national prosperity and continue advancing the democratization of air travel.
- Generates economies of scale at the holding company level for a stronger foundation. Recent supply chain setbacks and quality concerns with OEMs and engine manufacturers have had disproportionate impacts on ultra-low-cost carriers’ and smaller carriers’ operating costs. As part of the airline group, Volaris and Viva will realize economies of scale to ensure sustainable growth, fleet optimization, and lowered aircraft ownership costs.
- Maintains and enhances two leading Mexican brands. Makes Volaris and Viva more resilient and competitive organizations, capable of thriving in dynamic regional markets while still maintaining their ultra-low-cost DNA to stimulate demand.
- Drives lower aircraft ownership costs through a strengthened financial profile. The new airline group will have optimized unit costs, low leverage and better access to lower-cost capital.
- Provides better opportunities for growth. With lower fleet costs, both Viva and Volaris will continue to pursue sustainable growth driven by customer demand.
- Creates significant shareholder value. Volaris and Viva operate with a high degree of compatibility across fleet, airport infrastructure, technology, reservation systems, suppliers, and technical capabilities, driving substantial potential for synergies.
Creating Enhanced Financial Value
Stronger financial foundation to grow low-cost, high-value service across Mexico and internationally
Resilient platform to drive passenger volumes in underpenetrated markets and regions
Economies of scale at holding-company level enhance Americas-leading CASM ex-fuel performance by each carrier
Recurring annual cost-savings from joint procurement with suppliers and OEMs
Significant synergy from high compatibility in fleet, airport, reservation, and technical systems
Increased operating leverage and margin efficiency at holding company level from greater base to spread out fixed costs
Optimized gauge, fuel efficiency, and maintenance expense in 250+, all-A320-family fleet
Robust balance sheet, with combined pro-forma net leverage of 2.7x1, to improve cost of capital and fleet ownership costs
1. Net leverage defined as Net Debt / EBITDAR, as reported. Does not consider consolidation adjustments or potential scale benefits.
Transaction Structure
Viva and Volaris will form a new airline group under a holding company structure
Equity holders in Viva will receive newly issued shares of Volaris, and each side will own approximately 50% of the new holding company on a fully diluted basis
Upon closing of the Transaction, the holding company will continue as a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV)
Each party will maintain distinctive branding in their respective markets, independent air operator certificates (AOC), and a substantial degree of operational independence
Customary closing conditions, subject to applicable regulatory approvals and shareholder vote, with expected closing in 2026
Governance
The Board will initially be composed of 12 directors:
6 designated by Viva, prior to closing
The Chairman of the Board will be Roberto Alcantara, current Viva Chairman
6 designated by Volaris, prior to closing
Existing leadership teams at both carriers will remain in place, including CEOs