dinero_admin In an interview with Dinero.com.sv, Ronny Rodríguez, general manager of Volaris El Salvador and director of Corporate Development and Sustainability at Volaris, revealed that the airline has had a major impact on the Salvadoran market. This is the first of two installments based on the interview, which addresses Volaris’ fares, achievements, and strategies. One of Volaris’ most significant achievements in El Salvador is the reduction of airfares by more than 40%. This price reduction is especially accessible for those who purchase their tickets in advance.
Since its arrival in 2021, the company has worked to reduce airfares, making it possible for more people to travel and connect with their families. Thanks to its low-cost business model, Volaris has managed to open a new market of travelers, demonstrating the high unmet demand that existed in the country and the region.
According to Rodríguez, the airline’s main value proposition was to offer affordable fares for short routes. “We found unmet demand because there were many people who would be willing to use air travel as their primary means of transportation but were not doing so because they found the existing fares to be very high”, he said.
Volaris announces new routes from Mexico City – AeroLatinNewsBefore its arrival, tickets were expensive and often required unnecessary layovers. Volaris sought to change this landscape by offering direct flights and lower prices. This strategy not only benefited frequent travelers but also attracted new segments of the population, such as SMEs.
The trust of the salvadoran people and the diaspora has been key to Volaris’ success, as the airline, which is the Salvadoran flag carrier, has managed to generate great appreciation among travelers. This factor has allowed people to travel more regularly and many Salvadorans living abroad to visit their families more often. “We created a new market that continues to grow and also coincided with a much more positive situation in the country in terms of security and attracting investment, business, and tourism”, Rodríguez said.
Volaris has contributed to the country’s economic growth by facilitating connectivity with neighboring markets such as Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Ronny Rodríguez pointed out that the arrival of the airline has coincided with a period of growth in the country, in which security and investment attraction have improved, further boosting travel demand.
Strategies
One of the main strategies for keeping fares low is the use of state-of-the-art aircraft. The director explained that the Airbus 320neo aircraft that make up the Volaris fleet reduce fuel consumption by 17% to 18%. This saving is crucial, as fuel accounts for up to 40% of an airline’s operating costs.
Another key tactic for reducing costs and offering competitive prices is fleet uniformity. All Volaris aircraft are Airbus 320neo, which simplifies and reduces the cost of maintenance and pilot and staff training. This approach allows them to optimize their processes and pass those savings on to customers, thus keeping their fares affordable.
The airline also allows passengers to personalize their travel experience by purchasing only the services they need. For example, they can choose whether they want to carry hand luggage or checked luggage, or whether they want to purchase food on board. This flexibility has enabled people to adjust their travel expenses to their specific needs, which has made the service even more popular.
The competition generated by Volaris has forced other airlines to lower their prices to remain in the market. This phenomenon has created a new price range that did not exist before, directly benefiting consumers. Rony Rodríguez stated that Volaris not only competes for existing demand, but has also created a new market of travelers that continues to grow steadily.
