Introduction to the Collaboration
Viva and Aerus, two Mexican airlines, have announced a strategic codeshare partnership that will connect their networks starting June 16. This collaboration will enable passengers to access 130 routes linking 37 domestic and international destinations.
Key Players and Their Roles
Javier Suárez, Viva’s Executive Vice President of Strategy, Planning, and Alliances, and Javier Herrera García, Aerus’ CEO, shared their insights with El Economista.
Javier Herrera emphasized, “This is a unilateral codeshare agreement where Viva places its flights on Aerus-operated routes, complementing and connecting both airlines’ networks to expand origin-destination offerings for Viva’s customers.”
Javier Suárez added, “As we increase flight occupancy through commercial efforts, this will allow for more frequencies on existing routes and open new routes that are currently unserved.”
Increased Connectivity in Smaller Airports
This strategic alliance will position Viva as the leading airline in Mexico, with connections to Aerus enabling passengers to fly to cities where Viva’s Airbus 320 and 321 operations are not feasible due to airport size restrictions, such as Minatitlán and Piedras Negras.
Javier Herrera explained, “Monterrey and AIFA are significant hubs that strengthen our connections. From Monterrey, travelers can reach Veracruz and AIFA, connecting to Poza Rica and Minatitlán. AIFA also allows connections to San Luis Potosí and Uruapan, as well as flights to Cancún for connections to Cozumel and Chetumal.”
Aerus’ CEO stated, “We aim to leverage this alliance to gradually increase destinations and frequencies to various western cities like Guadalajara, which has high connectivity. We also see potential in the northern region for national and international connections, and we will explore other markets as opportunities arise.”
Importance for Both Airlines
For Aerus, consolidating its presence in Monterrey International Airport and AIFA, as well as the Yucatan Peninsula through Cancún, is crucial.
Viva aims to achieve greater regional penetration, bringing connectivity to cities with limited air services. “The beauty is that we will achieve greater regional penetration, allowing underserved cities to become hubs like Monterrey or AIFA, ensuring the connectivity all airports deserve,” said Viva’s executive.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this alliance? This strategic partnership aims to strengthen both airlines’ presence across Mexico, facilitating connections to key hubs like Monterrey, AIFA, and Cancún.
- How will this alliance benefit passengers? Passengers will have access to 130 routes linking 37 domestic and international destinations, with increased connectivity to smaller airports previously unserved by either airline.
- What are the goals for each airline?
- Aerus aims to expand its presence in Monterrey and AIFA, as well as the Yucatan Peninsula through Cancún.
- Viva seeks greater regional penetration, connecting underserved cities to become hubs like Monterrey or AIFA.
- What destinations will be prioritized? Both airlines aim to increase frequencies and open new routes in western cities like Guadalajara and explore potential in the northern region for national and international connections.
