Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris boosted sales in the second quarter of the year as capacity climbed and load factors remained “healthy”.
The Mexico-City-based airline said on 21 July that revenue rose to $691 million, a 20% increase over the same period in 2021.
“Demand has remained relatively strong throughout the quarter notwithstanding certain headwinds (high inflation, economic uncertainty, and an increase of Covid-19 cases) registered in the markets where Volaris operates,” the company says.
Volaris posted a $49 million loss for the quarter, after a $77 million profit in the same three months last year.
“During the quarter, the company passed on a portion of higher jet fuel prices through fare increases or, in certain cases, reallocated flights to more profitable routes, while efficiently controlling ex-fuel costs,” adds Enrique Beltranena, Volaris’ chief executive.
“We will continue with our strategy of disciplined growth and will remain nimble and respond decisively to any changes in market conditions in the coming months. We have grown quickly in the last two years allowing us to fill the void left by some of our competitors and, considering we have met our objectives, will return to our historic growth rate during 2023,” he says.
Volaris transported 7.5 million passengers in the period, 20% more than during the second quarter last year. The number of domestic passengers rose 22%, with 14% more international customers. Total capacity measured in available seat miles (ASMs) rose 19%. Load factor was 85.6%, one percentage point lower than during the same three months in 2021.
The company added five A320neo aircraft and four A321neos during the three-month period that ended in June. The airline’s fleet stood at 113 airceraft at the end of the quarter and it expects to end the year with about 115 aircraft.
