Low-cost carrier Volaris has taken delivery of its first A320neo, making it the first operator of the aircraft in North America.

Mexico’s largest Airbus customer, Volaris has ordered 74 A320 family aircraft, including 30 A320neo.

Since 2006, the carrier has become the country's biggest A320 family operator with 63 A320 family aircraft in service, comprising 17 A319, 42 A320 and four A321. 

The A320neo delivered to Volaris is powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100-JM engines and leased through AerCap.

“Volaris is delighted to be the first to bring this new technology to passengers in North America.”

With a seating capacity of up to 186 passengers, Volaris’ A320neo has a Space-Flex cabin.

Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean president Rafael Alonso said: “Airbus is honored to deliver the first A320neo in North America to Volaris, an all-Airbus operator for more than ten years.

“Mexico’s strong economic growth presents a key opportunity for the country’s top airlines such as Volaris to expand and remain environmentally efficient, and the A320neo will be exceptional in achieving this for Volaris.”

Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena said: “The arrival of the A320neo symbolises an important step in our ambitious ultra low-cost strategy.

“Volaris is delighted to be the first to bring this new technology to passengers in North America.”

The A320neo family comes equipped with the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together provide initial fuel savings of more than 15%, increasing to 20% by 2020. 

Image: Volaris received first A320neo from Airbus. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.