20-F 1 d379206d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

  REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                 

For the transition period from                  to                      

Commission file number 001-36059

Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Volaris Aviation Holding Company

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

United Mexican States

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Av. Antonio Dovalí Jaime No. 70, 13 Floor, Tower B

Colonia Zedec Santa Fe

United Mexican States, Mexico City, 01210

(Address of principal executive offices)

Andres Pliego Rivero Borrell (andres.pliego@volaris.com) +52-55-5261-6400

Av. Antonio Dovalí Jaime No. 70, 13 Floor, Tower B, Colonia Zedec Santa Fe United Mexican States, Mexico City, 01210

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

   Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares

   New York Stock Exchange

Ordinary Participation Certificates (Certificados de Participación Ordinarios)

   New York Stock Exchange

Series A shares of common stock, no par value

   Mexican Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period

covered by the annual report:

Ordinary Participation Certificates (Certificados de Participación Ordinarios): 755,545,755

Series A shares of common stock, no par value per share: 877,856,206

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities

Act.

☑      Yes    ☐  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports

pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

☐  Yes    ☑  No

Note: Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or

15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant

was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

☑ Yes    ☐   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if

any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T

(Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was

required to submit and post such files).

☐     Yes    ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company.

See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

                    Large accelerated filer                           Accelerated filer   
                    Non-accelerated filer                           Emerging growth company   

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐

 

The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements

included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  ☐    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☑    ☐     Other    Other  ☐

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement

item the registrant has elected to follow:

☐  Item 17                ☐    Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in

Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

☐  Yes    ☑ No

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST

FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by

Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a

plan confirmed by a court:

☐  Yes    ☐ No

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                  Page  

Part I

            1  
  ITEM 1   IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS      1  
  ITEM 2   OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE      1  
  ITEM 3   KEY INFORMATION      1  
    A.    Selected Consolidated Financial Data      1  
    B.    Exchange Rates      4  
    C.    Capitalization and Indebtedness      5  
    D.    Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds      5  
    E.    Risk Factors      5  
  ITEM 4   INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY      24  
    A.    History and Development of the Company      24  
    B.    Business Overview      30  
    C.    Organizational Structure      44  
    D.    Property, Plants and Equipment      46  
  ITEM 4A   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS      46  
  ITEM 5   OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS      46  
    A.    Operating Results      46  
    B.    Liquidity and Capital Resources      65  
    C.    Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.      66  
    D.    Trend Information      66  
    E.    Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements      66  
    F.    Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations      67  
    G.    Safe Harbor      67  
  ITEM 6   DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES      67  
    A.    Directors and Senior Management      67  
    B.    Compensation      71  
    C.    Board Practices      73  
    D.    Employees      74  
    E.    Share Ownership      75  
  ITEM 7   MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS      75  
    A.    Major Shareholders      75  
    B.    Related Party Transactions      77  
    C.    Interests of Experts and Counsel      78  
  ITEM 8   FINANCIAL INFORMATION      78  
    A.    Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information      78  
    B.    Significant changes      79  
  ITEM 9   THE OFFER AND LISTING      80  
    A.    Offer and Listing Details      80  
    B.    Plan of Distribution      81  
    C.    Markets      81  
    D.    Selling Shareholders      88  
    E.    Dilution      88  
    F.    Expenses of the Issue      88  
  ITEM 10   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION      88  
    A.    Share Capital      88  
    B.    Memorandum and Articles of Association      88  
    C.    Material Contracts      96  
    D.    Exchange Controls      96  
    E.    Taxation      97  
    F.    Dividends and Paying Agents      103  
    G.    Statement by Experts      103  
    H.    Documents on Display      103  
    I.    Subsidiary Information      103  

 

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             Page  
  ITEM 11   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK      103  
  ITEM 12   DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES      104  
    A.    Debt Securities      104  
    B.    Warrants and Rights      104  
    C.    Other Securities      105  
    D.    American Depositary Shares      105  

Part II

            109  
  ITEM 13   DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES      109  
  ITEM 14  

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     109  
    A.    Use of Proceeds      109  
  ITEM 15   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES      109  
  ITEM 16   [Reserved]      110  
  ITEM 16A   Audit Committee Financial Expert      110  
  ITEM 16B   Code of Ethics      110  
  ITEM 16C   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      111  
  ITEM 16D   Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees      111  
  ITEM 16E   Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers      111  
  ITEM 16F   Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant      111  
  ITEM 16G   Corporate Governance      111  
  ITEM 16H   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE      114  

Part III

            114  
  ITEM 17   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      114  
  ITEM 18   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      114  
  ITEM 19   EXHIBITS      114  

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS

This annual report on Form 20-F or our “annual report,” contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act.” We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee or assurance of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

 

    the competitive environment in our industry;

 

    ability to keep cost low;

 

    changes in our fuel cost, the effectiveness of our fuel cost hedges and our ability to hedge fuel costs;

 

    the impact of worldwide economic conditions, including the impact of the economic recession on customer travel behavior;

 

    actual or threatened terrorist attacks, global instability, geopolitical risks and potential U.S. military actions or activities;

 

    ability to generate non-ticket revenues;

 

    external conditions, including air traffic congestion, weather conditions and outbreak of disease;

 

    ability to maintain slots in the airports that we operate and service provided by airport operators;

 

    ability to operate through new airports that match our operative criteria;

 

    air travel substitutes;

 

    labor disputes, employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions, including in connection with our negotiations with our union;

 

    ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

 

    loss of key personnel;

 

    aircraft-related fixed obligations;

 

    dependence on cash balances and operating cash flows;

 

    our aircraft utilization rate;

 

    maintenance costs;

 

    our reliance on automated systems and the risks associated with changes made to those systems;

 

    use of personal data;

 

    lack of marketing alliances;

 

    government regulation, changes in law and interpretation and supervision of compliance with applicable law;

 

    maintaining and renewing our permits and concessions;

 

    our ability to execute our growth strategy;

 

    operational disruptions;

 

    our indebtedness;

 

    our liquidity;

 

    our reliance on third-party vendors and partners;

 

    our reliance on a single fuel provider in Mexico;

 

    an aircraft accident or incident;

 

    our aircraft and engine suppliers;

 

    changes in the Mexican and VFR (passengers who are visiting friends and relatives) markets;

 

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    insurance costs;

 

    environmental regulations;

 

    cyber-attacks; and

 

    other risk factors included under “Risk Factors” in this annual report.

In addition, in this annual report, the words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “predict,” “potential” and similar expressions, as they relate to our company, our business and our management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this annual report may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this annual report. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

 

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INTRODUCTION AND USE OF CERTAIN TERMS

In this annual report, we use the term “Volaris” to refer to Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V., “Volaris Opco” to refer to Concesionaria Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.P.I. de C.V., “Comercializadora” to refer to Comercializadora Volaris, S.A. de C.V., “Servicios Corporativos” to refer to Servicios Corporativos Volaris, S.A. de C.V., “Operaciones” to refer to “Operaciones Volaris, S.A. de C.V., “Servicios Administrativos” to refer to Servicios Administrativos Volaris, S.A. de C.V., “Servicios Earhart” to refer to Servicios Earhart, S.A., “Vuela” to refer to Vuela, S.A. and “Vuela Aviación” to refer to Vuela Aviación, S.A. Volaris Opco, Comercializadora, Servicios Corporativos, Operaciones. Servicios Administrativos, Vuela and Vuela Aviación are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Volaris. The terms “we,” “our” and “us” in this annual report refer to Volaris, together with its subsidiaries, and to properties and assets that they own or operate, unless otherwise specified. References to “Series A shares” refer to Series A shares of Volaris.

GLOSSARY OF AIRLINES AND AIRLINE TERMS

Set forth below is a glossary of industry terms used in this annual report:

“Aerocalifornia” means Aerocalifornia, S.A. de C.V.

“Aeroméxico” means Aerovías de México, S.A. de C.V.

“AirAsia” means AirAsia Berhad.

“Airbus” means Airbus S.A.S.

“Aladia” means Aladia Airlines, S.A. de C.V.

“Alaska Air” means Alaska Air Group, Inc.

“Allegiant” means Allegiant Travel Company.

“Alma” means Aerolíneas Mesoamericanas, S.A. de C.V.

“Aeroméxico Connect” means Aerolitoral, S.A. de C.V.

“American” means American Airlines Group.

“Available seat miles” or “ASMs” means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.

“Average daily aircraft utilization” means flight hours or block hours, as applicable, divided by number of days in the period divided by average aircraft in the period.

“Average economic fuel cost per gallon” means total fuel expense net of hedging effect, divided by the total number of fuel gallons consumed.

“Average ticket revenue per booked passenger” means total passenger revenue divided by booked passengers.

“Average stage length” means the average number of miles flown per passenger flight segment.

“Aviacsa” means Consorcio Aviaxsa, S.A. de C.V.

“Avianca” means Avianca Holding S.A.

“Avolar” means Avolar Aerolíneas, S.A. de C.V.

“Azteca” means Líneas Aéreas Azteca, S.A. de C.V.

“Azul” means Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A.

 

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“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time it leaves the gate until the time it arrives to the gate at destination.

“Booked passengers” means the total number of passengers booked on all flight segments.

“CASM” or “unit costs” means total operating expenses, net divided by ASMs.

“CASM ex fuel” means total operating expenses, net excluding fuel expense divided by ASMs.

“CBP” means United States Customs and Border Protection.

“CEO” means current engine option.

“Copa” means Copa Holding S.A.

“Delta” means Delta Air Lines, Inc.

“DGAC” means the Mexican Civil Aeronautic Authority (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil).

“DOT” means the United States Department of Transportation.

“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

“FAA” means the United States Federal Aviation Administration.

“FCC” means the United States Federal Communications Commission.

“Flight hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time it takes off until the time it lands at the destination.

“Frontier” means Frontier Airlines, Inc.

“Gol” means Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, S.A.

“Grupo Aeroméxico” means Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V., which includes Aeroméxico and Aeroméxico Connect.

“Grupo Mexicana” means Grupo Mexicana de Aviación, S.A. de C.V., which is the holding company for three airlines, Compañía Mexicana de Aviación, Mexicana Click and Mexicana Link.

“Grupo TACA” means Taca International Airlines, S.A.

“IATA” means the International Air Transport Association.

“Interjet” means ABC Aerolíneas, S.A. de C.V.

“LATAM” means LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

“Latin America” means, collectively, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

“Latin American publicly traded airline carriers” means, collectively, Aeroméxico, Avianca, Copa, Gol and LATAM.

“Legacy carrier” means an airline that typically offers scheduled flights to major domestic and international routes (directly or through membership in an alliance) and serves numerous smaller cities, operates mainly through a “hub-and-spoke” network route system and has higher cost structures than low-cost carriers due to higher labor costs, flight crew and aircraft scheduling inefficiencies, concentration of operations in higher cost airports and multiple classes of services.

“Load factor” means RPMs divided by ASMs and expressed as a percentage.

 

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“Low-cost carrier” means an airline that typically flies direct, point-to-point flights, often serves major markets through secondary, lower cost airports in the same regions as major population centers, provides a single class of service, thereby increasing the number of seats on each flight and avoiding the significant and incremental cost of offering premium-class services, and tends to operate fleets with only one or two aircraft families, in order to maximize the utilization of flight crews across the fleet, improve aircraft scheduling efficiency and flexibility and minimize inventory and aircraft maintenance costs.

“NEO” means new engine option.

“Nova Air” means Polar Airlines de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

“On-time” means flights arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.

“Other Latin American publicly traded airlines” means, collectively, Avianca, Copa, Gol, Grupo Aeroméxico and LATAM.

“Passenger flight segments” means the total number of passengers flown on all flight segments.

“RASM” means passenger revenue divided by ASMs.

“Revenue passenger miles” or “RPMs” means the number of miles flown by passengers.

“Ryanair” means Ryanair Holdings plc.

“SCT” means the Mexican Communications and Transportation Ministry (Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes).

“Southwest Airlines” means Southwest Airlines Co.

“Spirit” means Spirit Airlines, Inc.

“Tiger” means Tiger Airways Holdings Limited.

“Total operating revenue per ASM,” or “TRASM” means total revenue divided by ASMs.

“TSA” means the United States Transportation Security Administration.

“Trip” means TRIP Linhas Aéreas S.A.

“ULCC” or “ultra-low-cost carrier” means an airline that belongs to a subset of low-cost carriers, which distinguishes itself by using a business model with an intense focus on low-cost, efficient asset utilization, unbundled revenue sources aside from the base fares with multiple products and services offered for additional fees. In the United States, Spirit Airlines, Inc. and Allegiant define themselves as ULCCs and Volaris and VivaAerobus follow the ULCC model in Mexico.

“United” means United Continental Holdings, Inc.

“U.S.-based publicly traded target market competitors” means Alaska Air, American, Delta and United.

“VFR” means passengers who are visiting friends and relatives.

“VivaAerobus” means Aeroenlaces Nacionales, S.A. de C.V.

“Webjet” means Linhas Aéreas Econômicas.

“Wizz” means Wizz Air Holdings Plc.

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

This annual report includes our audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2015 and 2016, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), referred hereinafter as IFRS.

Unless otherwise specified, all references to “U.S. dollars,” “dollars,” “U.S. $” or “$” are to United States dollars, the legal currency of the United States, and references to “pesos” or “Ps.” are to Mexican Pesos, the legal currency of Mexico. Except as otherwise indicated, peso amounts have been converted to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of Ps.20.6640 per U.S. $1.00, as reported by the Mexican Central Bank (Banco de México) as the rate for the payment of obligations denominated in foreign currency payable in Mexico (tipo de cambio para solventar obligaciones denominadas en moneda extranjera, pagaderas en México) in effect on December 31, 2016. Such conversions are for the convenience of the reader and should not be construed as representations that the peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated, or at all. For more information on exchange rates, see Item 3: “Key Information—Exchange Rates.” Amounts presented in this annual report may not add up due to rounding.

Industry and Market Data

We obtained the industry and market data used in this annual report from research, surveys or studies conducted by third parties on our behalf, information contained in third-party publications, such as the Mexican Institute of Statistics and Geography (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía), or INEGI, reports from the Mexican Civil Aeronautic Authority (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil), or the DGAC, reports from the Mexican Central Bank and other publicly available sources. Third-party publications generally state that they have obtained information from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. Although we believe that this data and information is reliable, we have not independently verified it. Additionally, certain market share data is based on published information available for the Mexican states. There is no comparable data available relating to the particular cities we serve. In presenting market share estimates for these cities, we have estimated the size of the market on the basis of the published information for the state in which the particular city is located. We believe this method is reasonable, but the results have not been verified by any independent source.

 

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Part I

 

ITEM 1 IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2 OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 3 KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA

The following tables summarize selected financial and operating data for our business for the periods presented. You should read this selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes thereto, all included elsewhere in this annual report. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

We derived the selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the selected consolidated statements of financial position data as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 from our audited financial statements included in this annual report. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 and the selected consolidated statements of financial position data as of December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 were derived from the audited financial statements for those periods. See Item 18: “Financial Statements.” Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future.

 

    For the Years ended December 31,  
    2012     2013     2014     2015 (11)     2016     2016  
    (in thousands of pesos, except share and per share data and operating data)     (in thousands
of U.S.
dollars)(1)
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

           

Operating revenues:

           

Passenger

    10,176,747       11,117,327       11,303,327       14,130,365       17,790,130       860,924  

Non-ticket

    1,509,668       1,885,144       2,733,415       4,049,339       5,722,321       276,922  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    11,686,415       13,002,471       14,036,742       18,179,704       23,512,451       1,137,846  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operating income

    (68,800     (111,277     (22,107     (193,155     (496,742     (24,039

Fuel

    4,730,089       5,085,829       5,363,864       4,721,108       5,741,403       277,846  

Aircraft and engine rent expense

    1,885,696       2,187,339       2,534,522       3,525,336       5,590,058       270,522  

Landing, take-off and navigation expenses

    1,639,945       1,923,673       2,065,501       2,595,413       3,272,051       158,345  

Salaries and benefits

    1,302,971       1,563,239       1,576,517       1,902,748       2,419,537       117,089  

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

    751,919       704,146       817,281       1,088,805       1,413,348       68,397  

Maintenance expenses(2)

    498,836       572,114       664,608       874,613       1,344,110       65,046  

Other operating expenses

    356,517       458,500       489,938       697,786       952,452       46,093  

Depreciation and amortization(3)

    211,002       301,531       342,515       456,717       536,543       25,965  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    11,308,175       12,685,094       13,832,639       15,669,371       20,772,760       1,005,264  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

    378,240       317,377       204,103       2,510,333       2,739,691       132,582  

Finance income

    13,611       24,774       23,464       47,034       102,591       4,965  

Finance cost

    (89,731     (125,737     (32,335     (21,703     (35,116     (1,699

Exchange (loss) gain, net

    (95,322     66,428       448,672       966,554       2,169,505       104,990  

Income before income tax

    206,798       282,842       643,904       3,502,218       4,976,671       240,838  

Income tax expense

    (3,481     (17,550     (38,720     (1,038,348     (1,457,182     (70,518
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

    203,317       265,292       605,184       2,463,870       3,519,489       170,320  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
    For the Years ended December 31,  
    2012     2013     2014     2015 (11)     2016     2016  
    (in thousands of pesos, except share and per share data and operating data)     (in thousands
of U.S.
dollars)(1)
 

Attributable to:

           

Equity holders of the parent

    215,239       268,678       605,184       2,463,870       3,519,489       170,320  

Non-controlling interest

    (11,922     (3,386     —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

    203,317       265,292       605,184       2,463,870       3,519,489       170,320  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

           

Basic and diluted(4)

    732,441,216       865,579,397       1,011,876,677       1,011,876,677       1,011,876,677       1,011,876,677  

Earnings per share

           

Basic and diluted(5)

    0.29       0.31       0.60       2.43       3.48       0.17  

Earnings per ADS

           

Basic and diluted(6)

    2.94       3.10       6.00       24.35       34.78       1.68  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (as of December 31,)(11)

           

Cash and cash equivalents

    822,076       2,450,773       2,264,857       5,157,313       7,071,251       342,201  

Accounts receivable, net

    387,316       602,159       448,560       434,955       962,718       46,588  

Guarantee deposits—current portion

    238,242       499,089       545,192       873,022       1,167,209       56,485  

Total current assets

    1,815,018       3,999,960       3,688,669       7,223,762       11,551,116       558,995  

Total assets

    5,701,558       8,377,784       9,905,040       15,231,504       21,781,771       1,054,089  

Total short-term liabilities

    3,721,897       3,871,529       4,768,367       7,073,372       7,887,898       381,719  

Long-term liabilities

    904,994       543,885       666,893       1,333,301       3,099,797       150,009  

Total liabilities

    4,626,891       4,415,414       5,435,260       8,406,673       10,987,695       531,728  

Capital stock

    2,376,098       2,973,559       2,973,559       2,973,559       2,973,559       143,900  

Total equity

    1,074,667       3,962,370       4,469,780       6,824,831       10,794,076       522,361  

CASH FLOW DATA

           

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

    497,448       38,757       333,783       3,069,613       978,732       47,360  

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

    187,161       (311,926     (1,184,968     (601,277     (27,958     (1,353

Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities

    (271,898     1,860,504       524,704       65,086       10,765       524  

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

           

EBITDA(7)

    493,920       685,336       995,290       3,933,604       5,445,739       263,537  

Adjusted EBITDA(7)

    589,242       618,908       546,618       2,967,050       3,276,234       158,547  

Adjusted EBITDAR(7)

    2,474,938       2,806,247       3,081,140       6,492,386       8,866,292       429,069  

OPERATING DATA(10)

           

Aircraft at end of period

    41       44       50       56       69       —    

Average daily aircraft utilization (block hours)

    12.40       12.45       12.42       12.68       12.80       —    

Average daily aircraft utilization (flight hours)

    10.42       10.37       10.25       10.34       10.24       —    

Average pesos/U.S. dollar exchange rate

    13.17       12.77       13.30       15.85       18.66       —    

End of period pesos/U.S. dollar exchange rate

    13.01       13.08       14.72       17.21       20.66       —    

Airports served at end of period

    37       46       53       61       65       —    

Departures(8)

    58,806       68,716       74,659       87,931       101,811       —    

Passenger flight segments (thousands)(8)

    7,037       8,480       9,346       11,477       14,394       —    

Booked passengers (thousands)(8)

    7,408       8,942       9,809       11,983       15,005       —    

Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)(8)

    7,668,202       9,002,831       9,722,538       11,561,859       14,325,898       —    

Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)(8)

    9,244,425       10,899,486       11,829,865       14,052,298       16,703,949       —    

Load factor(9)

    83     83     82     82     86     —    

Average ticket revenue per booked passenger(9)

    1,374       1,243       1,152       1,181       1,189       58  

Average non-ticket revenue per booked passenger

    204       211       279       338       381       18  

Total operating revenue per ASM (TRASM) (cents)

    126.4       119.3       118.7       129.4       140.8       6.8  

Passenger revenue per ASM (RASM)

(cents)

    110.1       102.0       95.5       100.6       106.5       5.2  

 

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    For the Years ended December 31,  
    2012     2013     2014     2015 (11)     2016     2016  
    (in thousands of pesos, except share and per share data and operating data)     (in thousands
of U.S.
dollars)(1)
 

Operating expenses per ASM (CASM) (cents)

    122.3       116.4       116.9       111.5       124.4       6.0  

CASM ex fuel (cents)

    71.2       69.7       71.6       77.9       90.0       4.4  

Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)

    112,225       129,076       138,533       164,033       196,709       —    

Average economic fuel cost per gallon

    42.1       39.4       38.7       28.8       29.2       1.4  

Employees per aircraft at end of period

    63       61       56       59       66       —    

 

(1) Peso amounts were converted to U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of Ps.20.6640 per U.S. $1.00 as the rate for the payment of obligations denominated in foreign currency payable in Mexico in effect on December 31, 2016. Such conversions should not be construed as a representation that the peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated, or at all.
(2) Includes routine and ordinary maintenance expenses only. See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results.”
(3) Includes, among other things, major maintenance expenses, which are capitalized and subsequently amortized. See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results.”
(4) Unvested shares awarded under the management incentive plan and our swap shares were deemed treasury shares and non-dilutive until December 31, 2012, and accordingly, they were excluded in the determination of weighted average diluted shares outstanding and disregarded in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share to such date. During 2013, issued shares awarded under the management incentive plan and, up until April 22, 2013, our swap shares are deemed treasury shares and entitled the awardees to participate in dividends prior to vesting; accordingly, they have been included in the determination of weighted average shares outstanding for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the period. The shares awarded under the share purchase plan are deemed to be treasury shares from November 6, 2014, date in which these shares were acquired by the administrative trust number F/745291, and entitled the awardees to participate in dividends from that date. Accordingly, these shares have been included in the determination of weighted average shares outstanding for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Long-term Incentive Plans—Management Incentive Plan.”
(5) Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the income for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and unvested shares awarded under the management incentive and share purchase plans outstanding during the year, this is because the shares are entitled to a dividend if and when one is declared by the Company.
(6) The basis used for the computation of the information is to multiply the earnings per basic and diluted share obtained pursuant to footnote (5) above by ten, which is the number of CPOs represented by each ADS. Each CPO, in turn, represents a financial interest in one Series A share of common stock of Volaris.
(7) EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are included as supplemental disclosures because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are well recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry. However, because derivations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with IFRS, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
(8) Includes scheduled and charter.
(9) Includes scheduled.
(10) See “Glossary of Airlines and Airline Terms” elsewhere in this annual report for definitions of terms used in this table.
(11) Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes in accordance with our most recent audited consolidated financial statements as explained in note 1x therein.

 

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The following table represents the reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR to net income (loss) for the periods indicated below:

 

     For the Years ended December 31,  
     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2016  
     (in thousands of pesos)     (in thousands of
U.S. dollars)(1)
 

Reconciliation:

            

Net income

     203,317       265,292       605,184       2,463,870       3,519,489       170,320  

Plus (minus):

            

Finance cost

     89,731       125,737       32,335       21,703       35,116       1,699  

Finance income

     (13,611     (24,774     (23,464     (47,034     (102,591     (4,965

Provision for income tax

     3,481       17,550       38,720       1,038,348       1,457,182       70,518  

Depreciation and amortization

     211,002       301,531       342,515       456,717       536,543       25,965  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

     493,920       685,336       995,290       3,933,604       5,445,739       263,537  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exchange loss (gain), net

     95,322       (66,428     (448,672     (966,554     (2,169,505     (104,990
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

     589,242       618,908       546,618       2,967,050       3,276,234       158,547  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Aircraft and engine rent expense

     1,885,696       2,187,339       2,534,522       3,525,336       5,590,058       270,522  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR

     2,474,938       2,806,247       3,081,140       6,492,386       8,866,292       429,069  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Peso amounts were converted to U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of Ps.20.6640 per U.S. $1.00 as the rate for the payment of obligations denominated in foreign currency payable in Mexico in effect on December 31, 2016. Such conversions should not be construed as a representation that the peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated, or at all.

Note Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company provides financial information in this filing that was not prepared in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to the information prepared in accordance with IFRS. This financial information, which has not been prepared in accordance with IFRS, has been denominated non-GAAP measures (Non Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). The Company provides supplemental non-IFRS financial information, which the Company’s management utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance and the Company believes provides additional insight to investors as supplemental information to its IFRS results. The following measures are often provided, and utilized by the Company’s management, analysts, and investors to enhance comparability of year-over-year results, as well as to compare results to other airlines: EBITDA, non-IFRS; Adjusted EBITDA, non-IFRS; Adjusted EBITDAR, non-IFRS; Revenue passenger miles (RPMs), non-IFRS; Average ticket revenue per booked passenger, non- IFRS; Average non-ticket revenue per booked passenger, non-IFRS; Total operating revenue per ASM (TRASM), non-IFRS; Passenger Revenue per ASMS (RASM), non-IFRS; Operating expenses per ASM (CASM), non-IFRS; CASM ex fuel, non-IFRS and Average economic fuel cost per gallon, non-IFRS.

 

B. Exchange Rates

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high, low period-end and average buying rates, expressed in Mexican Pesos per U.S. dollar, in each case for the purchase of U.S. dollars, all expressed in nominal pesos per U.S. dollar. We make no representation that the peso amounts referred to in this annual report could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at any particular rate or at all.

 

     Rate(1)  
     High      Low      Period End(2)      Average(3)  

2012

     14.3949        12.6299        13.0101        13.1685  

2013

     13.4394        11.9807        13.0765        12.7679  

2014

     14.7853        12.8462        14.7180        13.2983  

2015

     17.3776        14.5559        17.2065        15.8542  

2016

     21.0511        17.1767        20.6640        18.6567  

November 2016

     21.0511        18.5089        20.5521        19.9695  

December 2016

     20.7488        20.2226        20.6640        20.5428  

January 2017

     21.9076        20.6194        21.0212        21.3955  

February 2017

     20.7908        19.7011        19.8335        20.3525  

March 2017

     19.9957        18.8092        18.8092        19.4165  

April 2017 (through April 26)

     18.8413        18.4863        18.6521        18.7411  

 

(1) Source: Mexican Central Bank.
(2) As published by the Mexican Central Bank as the rate for the payment of obligations denominated in foreign currency payable in Mexico in effect on the period end.
(3) Average of month-end rates or daily rates, as applicable.

Except for the period from September through December 1982, during a liquidity crisis, the Mexican Central Bank has consistently made foreign currency available to Mexican private-sector entities (such as us) to meet their foreign currency obligations, although amounts made available have, from time to time, been limited. Nevertheless, in the event of renewed shortages of foreign currency, there can be no assurance that foreign currency would continue to be available to private-sector companies or that foreign currency needed by us to service foreign currency obligations or to import goods could be purchased in the open market without substantial additional cost.

On April 26, 2017 the rate for the payment of obligations denominated in foreign currency payable in Mexico as published by the Mexican Central Bank for pesos was Ps. 18.6521 per U.S. $1.00.

 

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C. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not Applicable.

 

D. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable.

 

E. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this annual report and the risks described below before making an investment decision. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of the ADSs could decline due to any of these risks or other factors, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

The risks described below are those that we currently believe may adversely affect us or the ADSs. In general, investing in the securities of issuers in emerging market countries, such as Mexico, involves risks that are different from the risks associated with investing in the securities of U.S. companies and companies located in other countries with developed capital markets. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

To the extent that information relates to, or is obtained from sources related to, the Mexican government or Mexican macroeconomic data, the following information has been extracted from official publications of the Mexican government and has not been independently verified by us.

Risks related to Mexico

Political and social events in Mexico as well as changes in Mexican federal governmental policies may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Our business, results of operations and financial condition are affected by economic, political or social developments in Mexico, including, among others, any political or social instability in Mexico, changes in the rate of economic growth or contraction, changes in the exchange rate between the peso and the U.S. dollar, an increase in inflation or interest rates, changes in Mexican taxation and any amendments to existing Mexican laws, federal governmental policies and regulations.

Adverse social or political developments in or affecting Mexico could negatively affect us and Mexican financial markets generally, thereby affecting our ability to obtain financing. In his economic platform, President Enrique Peña Nieto proposed energy and fiscal reforms, among others, in order to foster economic growth. The first of these reforms was passed in December 2013 when amendments to Articles 25, 27 and 28 of the Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, or the Mexican Constitution) were enacted allowing for, among other things, private sector participation in the Mexican hydrocarbons industry, including in the exploration and extraction of crude oil and natural gas and related industrial activities. The Mexican Congress has passed secondary legislation to implement these amendments. Additionally, on December 11, 2013, a fiscal reform decree amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Ley del Impuesto al Valor Agregado (Value Added Tax Law), the Ley del Impuesto Especial sobre Producción y Servicios (IEPS Law) and the Ley del Impuestos sobre la Renta (the Income Tax Law, or the ISR Law), and eliminating the Ley del Impuesto Empresarial a Tasa Única (the Corporate Tax Law, or the IETU Law) and the Ley del Impuesto a los Depósitos en Efectivo (Cash Deposit Tax Law, or the IDE Law), was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. It is still unclear the effect this and other possible fiscal reforms may have on the Mexican economic policy and economy. Presidential and federal congressional elections will take place in July 2018. We cannot provide any assurance that the current political situation or any future developments in Mexico will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

In addition, the Mexican government has exercised, and continues to exercise, significant influence over the Mexican economy. In particular, Mexican federal governmental actions and policies concerning air transportation and similar services could have a significant impact on us. We cannot assure you that changes in Mexican federal governmental and air transportation policies, such as opening Mexican domestic segments to airlines from other countries, will not adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects or the price of the ADSs.

Adverse economic conditions in Mexico may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Most of our operations are conducted in Mexico and our business is affected by the performance of the Mexican economy. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Mexican economy grew 2.1%, 2.5% and 2.3%, respectively, in terms of GDP, according to the INEGI. Moreover, in the past, Mexico has experienced prolonged periods of economic crises, caused by internal and external factors, over which we have no control. Those periods have been characterized by exchange rate instability, high inflation, high domestic interest

 

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rates, economic contraction, a reduction of international capital flows, a reduction of liquidity in the banking sector and high unemployment rates. Decreases in the growth rate of the Mexican economy, or periods of negative growth, or increases in inflation may result in lower demand for our flights, lower fares or a shift to ground transportation options, such as long-distance buses. We cannot assure you that economic conditions in Mexico will not worsen, or that those conditions will not have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If inflation rates in Mexico increase, demand for our services may decrease and our costs may increase.

Mexico historically has experienced levels of inflation that are higher than the annual inflation rates of its main trading partners. The annual rate of inflation, as measured by changes in the Mexican national consumer price index calculated and published by the Mexican Central Bank and INEGI was 4.08% for 2014, 2.13% for 2015 and 3.36% for 2016. High inflation rates could adversely affect our business and results of operations by reducing consumer purchasing power, thereby adversely affecting consumer demand for our services, increasing our costs beyond levels that we could pass on to our customers and by decreasing the benefit to us of revenues earned to the extent that inflation exceeds growth in our pricing levels.

Currency fluctuations or the devaluation and depreciation of the peso could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Foreign currency exchange gains or losses included in our total financing cost result primarily from the impact of changes in the U.S. dollar-peso exchange rate on our U.S. dollar-denominated monetary liabilities (such as U.S. dollar-denominated debt, U.S. dollar-denominated aircraft lease payments and accounts payable arising from imports of spare parts and equipment) and assets (such as U.S. dollar-denominated cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable). Because historically our U.S. dollar-denominated monetary assets (including cash, security deposits and aircraft maintenance deposits) have exceeded our U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities, the devaluation and appreciation of the peso resulted in exchange gains and losses, respectively.

The value of the peso has been subject to significant fluctuations with respect to the U.S. dollar in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. In 2008, as a consequence of the global economic and financial crisis, the peso depreciated 26.7% against the U.S. dollar in nominal terms. In 2009, 2010 and 2012, the peso appreciated 5.5%, 5.2% and 6.9%, respectively, against the U.S. dollar in nominal terms. However, in 2011 and 2013, the peso depreciated 12.9% and 0.5%, respectively, against the U.S. dollar in nominal terms. This trend has continued as the peso depreciated 12.6% and 16.9% against the U.S. dollar in nominal terms in 2014 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the peso depreciated 20.1% against the U.S. dollar in nominal terms since December 31, 2015.

In 2016, approximately 69% of our total operating costs and 38% of our collections were U.S. dollar-linked or denominated. The remainder of our expenses was denominated in pesos. If the peso declines in value against the U.S. dollar, our revenues, expressed in U.S. dollars, and our operating margin would be adversely affected. We may not be able to adjust our fares denominated in pesos to offset any increases in U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, increases in interest or rental expense or exchange losses on fixed obligations. In addition, 80% of our outstanding financial debt and 100% of our lease payments as of December 31, 2016, are denominated in U.S. dollars. Severe devaluation or depreciation of the peso could also result in governmental intervention or disruption of foreign exchange markets. For example, the Mexican government could institute restrictive exchange control policies in the future, as it has done in the past. This would limit our ability to convert and transfer pesos into U.S. dollars for purposes of purchasing or leasing aircraft and other parts and equipment necessary to operate and expand and upgrade our fleet, paying amounts due under some of our maintenance contracts and servicing our U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness.

Devaluation or depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar may adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of an investment in the ADSs, as well as the U.S. dollar value of any dividend or other distributions that we may make.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the peso and the U.S. dollar, particularly depreciations in the value of the peso, may adversely affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the peso price of the Series A shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Such peso depreciations will likely affect the market price of the ADSs. Exchange rate fluctuations would also affect the U.S. dollar equivalent value of any dividends and other distributions we may elect to make in the future, and may affect the timely payment of any peso cash dividends and other distributions to holders of CPOs that we may elect to pay in the future in respect of the Series A shares.

Developments in other countries could adversely affect the Mexican economy, the market value of our securities, our financial condition and results of operations.

The market value of securities of Mexican companies is affected by economic and market conditions in developed and other emerging market countries. Although economic conditions in those countries may differ significantly from economic conditions in Mexico, investors’ reactions to developments in any of these other countries, may have an adverse effect on the market value of securities of Mexican issuers. In recent years, for example, prices of both Mexican debt and equity securities have sometimes suffered substantial drops as a result of developments in other countries. In 2008-2009, credit issues in the United States related principally to the sale of sub-prime mortgages resulted in significant fluctuations in securities traded in global financial markets, including Mexico.

 

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In addition, the direct correlation between economic conditions in Mexico and the United States has strengthened in recent years because of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and increased economic activity between the two countries (including increased remittances of U.S. dollars from Mexican workers in the United States to their families in Mexico). However, Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, as well as the Republican Party maintaining control of both the House of Representatives and Senate of the United States in the congressional election, has generated volatility in the currency and capital markets of emerging markets, such as Mexico and may create uncertainty regarding the future of NAFTA and trade between the United States and Mexico. On January 20, 2017, Donald Trump became president of the United States. President Trump and the Trump administration have made comments suggesting that he intends to re-negotiate the free trade agreements that the United States is party to, including NAFTA, and to implement high import taxes, although it remains unclear what specifically the new U.S. administration and U.S. Congress will or will not do in this respect. Because the Mexican economy is heavily influenced by the U.S. economy, the re-negotiation, or even termination, of NAFTA and/or other U.S. government policies that may be adopted by the new U.S. administration could have a material adverse effect on the Mexican economy, which, in turn, could affect our financial condition and results of operations. Terrorist acts in the United States and elsewhere could depress economic activity in the United States and globally, including Mexico. Furthermore, President Trump has already implemented immigration policies that have already adversely affected the United States—Mexico travel behavior, especially in the VFR and leisure markets, and there is a possibility that further immigration policy changes are to come. President Trump’s immigration policies had a negative impact on our results of operations during the first quarter of 2017 and this negative impact can be expected to continue if the Trump administration continues to carry out such immigration policies.

These events could have a material adverse effect on our operations and revenues, which could affect the market price of our securities, including the ADSs.

Mexican antitrust provisions may affect the fares we are permitted to charge to customers.

The Mexican Aviation Law (Ley de Aviación Civil) provides that in the event that the SCT considers that there is no effective competition among permit and concession holders (required to operate airlines in Mexico), the SCT may request the opinion of the Mexican Antitrust Commission (Comisión Federal de Competencia) and then issue regulations governing the fares that may be charged for air transportation services by airlines operating in Mexico. Such regulations will be maintained only during the existence of the conditions that resulted in their establishment. The imposition of fare regulations by the SCT could materially affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Violent crime in Mexico has adversely impacted, and may continue to adversely impact, the Mexican economy and may have a negative effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Mexico has experienced high levels of violent crime over the past few years relating to illegal drug trafficking, particularly in Mexico’s northern states near the U.S. border. This violence has had an adverse impact on the economic activity in Mexico. In addition, violent crime may further affect travel within Mexico and between Mexico and other countries, including the United States, affect the airports or cities in which we operate, including airports or cities in the north of Mexico in which we have significant operations, and increase our insurance and security costs. We cannot assure you that the levels of violent crime in Mexico or their expansion to a larger portion of Mexico, over which we have no control, will not increase or decrease and will have no further adverse effects on the country’s economy and on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Risks related to the airline industry

We operate in an extremely competitive industry.

We face significant competition with respect to routes, fares, services and slots in airports. Within the airline industry, we compete with legacy carriers, regional airlines and low-cost airlines on many of our routes. The intensity of the competition we face varies from route to route and depends on a number of factors, including the strength of competing airlines. Our competitors may have better brand recognition and greater financial and other resources than we do. In the event our competitors reduce their fares to levels which we are unable to match while sustaining profitable operations or are more successful in the operation of certain routes (as a result of service or otherwise), we may be required to reduce or withdraw services on the relevant routes, which may cause us to incur losses or may impact our growth, financial condition or results of operations. See Item 4: “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Competition.”

The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting, because once a flight is scheduled, airlines incur only nominal additional costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. Increased fare or other price competition could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, other airlines have begun to unbundle services by charging separate fees for services such as baggage transported, alcoholic beverages consumed onboard and advance seat selection. This unbundling and potential reduction of costs could enable competitor airlines to reduce fares on routes that we serve, which may result in an improvement in their ability to attract customers and may affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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In addition, airlines increase or decrease capacity in markets based on perceived profitability. Decisions by our competitors that increase overall industry capacity, or capacity dedicated to a particular region, market or route, could have a material adverse impact on our business. Our growth and the success of our ULCC business model could stimulate competition in our markets through our competitors’ development of their own ULCC strategies or new market entrants. Any such competitor may have greater financial resources and access to cheaper sources of capital than we do, which could enable them to operate their business with a lower cost structure than we can. If these competitors adopt and successfully execute a ULCC business model, we could be materially adversely affected, including our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Furthermore, we also face competition from air travel substitutes. On our domestic routes, we face competition from other transportation alternatives, such as bus or automobile. In addition, technology advancements may limit the desire for air travel. For example, video teleconferencing and other methods of electronic communication may reduce the need for in-person communication and add a new dimension of competition to the industry as travelers seek lower cost substitutes for air travel. If we are unable to adjust rapidly in the event the basis of competition in our markets changes, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The airline industry is heavily impacted by the price and availability of fuel. Continued volatility in fuel costs or significant disruptions in the supply of fuel could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Fuel is a major cost component for airlines and is our largest operating expense. The cost of fuel accounted for 39%, 30% and 28% of our total operating costs in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. As such, our operating results are significantly affected by changes in the cost and availability of fuel. Both the cost and the availability of fuel are subject to economic, social and political factors and other events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. Fuel prices have been subject to high volatility, fluctuating substantially over the past several years and very sharply beginning in 2008. Due to the large proportion of fuel costs in our total operating cost base, even a relatively small increase in the price of fuel can have a significant negative impact on our operating costs and on our business, results of operations and financial condition See Item 4: “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Fuel.”

Our inability to renew our concession or the revocation by the Mexican government of our concession would materially adversely affect us.

We hold a government concession authorizing us to provide domestic air transportation services of passengers, cargo and mail within Mexico, or our Concession. Our Concession was granted by the Mexican federal government through the SCT on May 9, 2005 initially for a period of five years and was extended by the SCT on February 17, 2010 for an additional period of ten years. Mexican law provides that concessions may be renewed several times. However, each renewal may not exceed 30 years and requires that the concessionaire (i) has complied with the obligations set forth in the concession title to be renewed, (ii) requests the renewal one year before the expiration of the applicable concession terms, (iii) has made an improvement in the quality of the services during the term of the concession, and (iv) accepts the new conditions established by the SCT according to the Mexican Aviation Law (Ley de Aviación Civil). Although we expect to apply for, and to comply with, all necessary conditions to renew our Concession from time to time and as may be required, we cannot assure you that our Concession will be renewed, or what terms will apply to the renewal, as the SCT has discretion over the final approval and may determine for any reason or without reason, not to extend our Concession. Failure to renew our Concession would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects and would prevent us from continuing to conduct our business.

We are required under the terms of our Concession to comply with certain ongoing obligations. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in penalties against us. In addition, the Mexican government has the right to revoke our Concession and the permits we currently hold for various reasons including: service interruptions; our failure to comply with the terms of our Concession; if we assign or transfer rights under our Concession or permits; if we fail to maintain insurance required under applicable law; if we charge fares different from fares registered with the SCT; if we violate statutory safety conditions; and if we fail to pay statutory indemnification or if we fail to pay to the Mexican government the required compensation. For more information on the potential causes for revocation of our Concession and permits, see Item 4: “Information of the Company—Regulation.” If our Concession or permits are revoked, we will be unable to operate our business as it is currently operated and be precluded from obtaining a new concession or permit for five years from the date of revocation.

Under Mexican law, our assets could be taken or seized by the Mexican government under certain circumstances.

Pursuant to Mexican law and our Concession, the Mexican federal government may take or seize our assets, temporarily or permanently, including the aircraft, in the event of natural disasters, war, serious changes to public order or in the event of imminent danger to the national security, internal peace or the national economy. The Mexican federal government, in all cases, except in the event of international war, must indemnify us by paying the respective losses and damages at market value. In these circumstances, we would not be able to continue with our normal operations. Applicable law is unclear as to how indemnification is determined and the timing of payment thereof. A temporary seizure of our assets is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The airline industry is particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. The recent global economic contraction or a reoccurrence of similar conditions could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our business and the airline industry in general are affected by changing economic conditions beyond our control, including, among others:

 

    changes and volatility in general economic conditions, including the severity and duration of any downturn in Mexico, the United States or global economy and financial markets;

 

    changes in consumer preferences, perceptions, spending patterns or demographic trends, including any increased preference for higher-fare carriers offering higher amenity levels, and reduced preferences for low-fare carriers offering more basic transportation, during better economic times or for other reasons;

 

    higher levels of unemployment and varying levels of disposable or discretionary income;

 

    health outbreaks and concerns with safety;

 

    depressed housing and stock market prices; and

 

    lower levels of actual or perceived consumer confidence.

These factors can adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and our liquidity generally. Current unfavorable general economic conditions, such as higher unemployment rates, a constrained credit market, housing-related pressures and increased focus on reducing business operating costs can reduce spending for leisure, VFR and business travel. For many travelers, in particular the leisure and VFR travelers we serve, air transportation is a discretionary purchase that they can eliminate from their spending in difficult economic times. Unfavorable economic conditions could affect our ability to raise prices to counteract increased fuel, labor or other costs, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we are currently striving to increase demand for our flights among the portion of the population in Mexico that has traditionally used ground transportation for travel due to price constraints, by offering lower fares that compete with bus fares on similar routes. Unfavorable economic conditions could affect our ability to offer these lower fares and could affect this population segment’s discretionary spending in a more adverse manner than other travelers.

The airline industry is heavily regulated and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if we fail to maintain the required U.S., Mexican and Central American governmental concessions or authorizations necessary for our operations.

The airline industry is heavily regulated and we are subject to regulation in Mexico and in the United States for the routes we serve between Mexico and the United States. In order to maintain the necessary concessions or authorizations issued by the SCT, acting through the DGAC, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA and the Central American countries in which we operate, including authorizations to operate our routes, we must continue to comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to the airline industry, including any rules and regulations that may be adopted in the future. We cannot predict which criteria the SCT will apply for awarding rights to landing slots, bi-lateral agreements, and international routes, which may prevent us from obtaining routes that may become available. In addition, international routes are limited by bi-lateral agreements and not obtaining them will limit our expansion plans in the international market. Furthermore, we cannot predict or control any actions that the DGAC, FAA or the aviation authorities in the Central American countries in which we operate may take in the future, which could include restricting our operations or imposing new and costly regulations. Also, our fares are subject to review by the DGAC and FAA, either of which may in the future impose restrictions on our fares. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if we fail to maintain the required U.S., Mexican and Central American governmental concessions or authorizations necessary for our operations.

The airline industry is subject to increasingly stringent environmental regulations and non-compliance therewith may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The airline industry is subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of the environment, including those relating to emissions to the air, levels of noise, discharges to surface and subsurface waters, safe drinking water, and the management of hazardous substances, oils and waste materials. Compliance with all environmental laws and regulations can require significant expenditures and any future regulatory developments in Mexico, the United States and other countries could adversely affect operations and increase operating costs in the airline industry. For example, some form of federal regulation may be forthcoming in the United States with respect to greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide (CO2 )) and/or ‘cap and trade’ legislation, compliance with which could result in the creation of substantial additional costs to us. The U.S. Congress is considering climate change legislation and the Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule that regulates

 

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larger emitters of greenhouse gases. Concerns about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in additional regulation or taxation of aircraft emissions in the United States and Mexico. Future operations and financial results may vary as a result of such regulations in the United States and equivalent regulations adopted by other countries, including Mexico. Compliance with these regulations and new or existing regulations that may be applicable to us in the future could increase our cost base and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Governmental authorities in several cities in the United States and abroad are also considering or have already implemented aircraft noise reduction programs, including the imposition of nighttime curfews and limitations on daytime take-offs and landings. We have been able to accommodate local noise restrictions imposed to date, but our operations could be adversely affected if locally-imposed regulations become more restrictive or widespread.

Compliance with airline industry regulations involves significant costs and regulations enacted in Mexico, the United States and Central America may increase our costs significantly in the future.

Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements, both domestically and internationally, that involve significant costs. In the last several years, the U.S. Congress has passed laws, and the DOT, FAA and TSA have issued regulations, relating to the operation of airlines that have required significant expenditures. FAA requirements cover, among other things, collision avoidance systems, airborne wind shear avoidance systems, noise abatement and other environmental issues, and increased inspections and maintenance procedures to be conducted on older aircraft. We expect to continue to incur expenses in connection with complying with government regulations. Additional laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the cost of airline operations or reduce the demand for air travel. If adopted, these measures could have the effect of raising ticket prices, reducing revenue and increasing costs. For example, the DOT finalized rules, taking effect on April 29, 2010, requiring new procedures for customer handling during long onboard tarmac delays, as well as additional reporting requirements for airlines that could increase the cost of airline operations or reduce revenues.

The DOT released additional rules, most of which became effective beginning in August 2011, that address, among other things, concerns about how airlines handle interactions with passengers through advertising, the reservations process, at the airport and on board the aircraft, including requirements for disclosure of base fares plus a set of regulatory mandated options and limits on cancellations and change fees. Failure to remain in full compliance with these rules, or new rules as enacted from time to time, may subject us to fines or other enforcement action, which could have a material effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, the TSA mandates the federalization of certain airport security procedures in the United States and imposes additional security requirements on airports and airlines, most of which are funded by a per ticket tax on passengers and a tax on airlines. The U.S. federal government has on several occasions proposed a significant increase in the per ticket tax. The proposed ticket tax increase, if implemented, could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our ability to operate as an airline in the United States is dependent on maintaining our certifications issued to us by the DOT and the FAA. The FAA has the authority to issue mandatory orders relating to, among other things, the grounding of aircraft, inspection of aircraft, installation of new safety-related items and removal and replacement of aircraft parts that have failed or may fail in the future. A decision by the FAA to ground, or require time consuming inspections of or maintenance on, our aircraft, for any reason, could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. U.S. federal law requires that air carriers operating large aircraft be continuously ‘fit, willing and able’ to provide the services for which they are licensed. Our “fitness” is monitored by the DOT, which considers factors such as unfair or deceptive competition, advertising, baggage liability and disabled passenger transportation. While the DOT has seldom revoked a carrier’s certification for lack of fitness, such an occurrence would render it impossible for us to continue operating as an airline in the United States. The DOT may also institute investigations or administrative proceedings against airlines for violations of regulations.

The Mexican Congress is seeking to enact legislation to provide for additional passenger rights, and this legislation may increase our costs or reduce our ability to charge for certain ancillary services.

Furthermore, we cannot assure you that airline industry regulations enacted in the future in Mexico, Central America and the United States will not increase our costs significantly.

Airlines are often affected by factors beyond their control, including air traffic congestion at airports, weather conditions, health outbreaks or concerns, or increased security measures, any of which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Like other airlines, we are subject to delays caused by factors beyond our control, including air traffic congestion at airports, air traffic control inefficiencies, adverse weather conditions, health outbreaks or concerns, increased security measures and new travel related taxes. Delays frustrate passengers, reduce aircraft utilization and increase costs, all of which in turn could adversely affect profitability. The federal governments of Mexico and the United States control all Mexican and U.S. airspace, respectively, and airlines are completely dependent on the DGAC and FAA to operate these airspaces in a safe, efficient and affordable manner. The air

 

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traffic control system, which is operated by Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacio Aéreo Mexicano in Mexico and the FAA in the United States, faces challenges in managing the growing demand for air travel. U.S. and Mexican air-traffic controllers often rely on outdated technologies that routinely overwhelm the system and compel airlines to fly inefficient, indirect routes resulting in delays. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters can cause flight cancellations or significant delays. Cancellations or delays due to weather conditions or natural disasters, air traffic control problems, health outbreaks or concerns, breaches in security or other factors and any resulting reduction in airline passenger traffic could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Airline consolidations and reorganizations could adversely affect the industry.

The airline industry has undergone substantial consolidation throughout the years and recently, and it may undergo additional consolidation in the future. Any consolidation or significant alliance activity within the airline industry could increase the size and resources of our competitors. The airline industry in Mexico has recently seen a sharp contraction, with the exit of eight Mexican airlines since 2007 (Aerocalifornia, Aladia, Alma, Aviacsa, Avolar, Azteca, Nova Air and Grupo Mexicana). Prior to ceasing operations, Grupo Mexicana was one of our most significant competitors. In December 2016, the DOT issued a final order granting approval of, and antitrust immunity for, the proposed alliance between Delta and Aeromexico and the Mexican Antitrust Commission has also granted approval. Aeromexico and Delta will use the antitrust immunity to operate a joint venture between the U.S. and Mexico and will coordinate their network planning, pricing, and sales activities, as well as enhance the alignment of their respective frequent flyer programs. In addition, air carriers involved in reorganizations have historically engaged in substantial fare discounting in order to maintain cash flows and to enhance continued customer loyalty. On March 15, 2017, Delta completed a public offering for the purchase of 32% of the capital stock of Aeromexico. Such fare discounting could lower yields for all carriers, including us.

Because the airline industry is characterized by high fixed costs and relatively elastic revenues, airlines cannot quickly reduce their costs to respond to shortfalls in expected revenue.

The airline industry is characterized by low gross profit margins, high fixed costs and revenues that generally exhibit substantially greater elasticity than costs. The operating costs of each flight do not vary significantly with the number of passengers flown and, therefore, a relatively small change in the number of passengers, fare pricing or traffic mix could have a significant effect on operating and financial results. These fixed costs cannot be adjusted quickly to respond to changes in revenues and a shortfall from expected revenue levels could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Increases in insurance costs and/or significant reductions in coverage would harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, premiums for insurance against aircraft damage and liability to third parties increased substantially, and insurers could reduce their coverage or increase their premiums even further in the event of additional terrorist attacks, hijackings, airline crashes or other events adversely affecting the airline industry. In the future, certain aviation insurance could become unaffordable, unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage that are insufficient to comply with the levels of insurance coverage required by aircraft lenders and lessors or applicable government regulations. Governments in other countries have agreed to indemnify airlines for liabilities that they might incur from terrorist attacks or provide low-cost insurance for terrorism risks. In that respect, the Mexican government provided certain loans to help airlines face increases in aircraft insurance right after the 2001 terrorist attacks. However, the Mexican government has not indicated an intention to provide similar benefits to us now or at any time in the future. Increases in the cost of insurance may result in both higher fares and a decreased demand for air travel generally, which could materially and negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Downturns in the airline industry caused by terrorist attacks or war, which may alter travel behavior or increase costs, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Demand for air transportation may be adversely affected by terrorist attacks, war or political and social instability, natural disasters and other events. Furthermore, these types of situations could have a prolonged effect on air transportation demand and on certain cost items.

The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, for example, have had a severe and lasting adverse impact on the airline industry. Airline traffic in the United States fell dramatically after the attacks and decreased less severely throughout Latin America. The repercussions of September 11, including increases in security, insurance and fear of similar attacks, continue to affect us and the airline industry. Since September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA in the United States have implemented numerous security measures that restrict airline operations and increase costs, and are likely to implement additional measures in the future. For example, following the widely publicized attempt of an alleged terrorist to detonate plastic explosives hidden underneath his clothes on a Northwest Airlines flight on Christmas Day in 2009, international passengers became subject to enhanced random screening, which may include pat-downs, explosive detection testing or body scans. Enhanced passenger screening,

 

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increased regulation governing carry-on baggage and other similar restrictions on passenger travel may further increase passenger inconvenience and reduce the demand for air travel. In addition, increased or enhanced security measures have tended to result in higher governmental fees imposed on airlines, resulting in higher operating costs for airlines. Therefore, any future terrorist attacks or threat of attacks, whether or not involving commercial aircraft, any increase in hostilities relating to reprisals against terrorist organizations, including an escalation of military involvement in the Middle East, or otherwise and any related economic impact, could result in decreased passenger traffic and materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Public health threats, such as the H1N1 flu virus, the bird flu, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Zika virus and other highly communicable diseases, affect travel behavior and could have a material adverse effect on the airline industry.

During the second quarter of 2009, passenger traffic was negatively affected as a result of the H1N1 flu crisis, which resulted in lower overall demand for intra-Latin America travel, especially to and from Mexico. Most recently, Latin American travel has been negatively affected as a result of the Zika virus. It is impossible to determine if and when health threats, similar to the H1N1 flu or the Zika virus, or perceived health threats, will occur, when the resulting adverse effects will abate and the extent to which they will further decrease demand for air travel, which could materially and negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks related to our business

We may not be able to implement our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy includes increasing the flights to markets we currently serve, expanding the number of markets served where we expect our ultra-low-cost structure to be successful and acquiring additional aircraft. Effectively implementing our growth strategy is critical for our business to achieve economies of scale and to sustain or increase our profitability.

We face numerous challenges in implementing our growth strategy, including our ability to:

 

    maintain profitability;

 

    access airports located in our targeted geographic markets where we can operate routes in a manner that is consistent with our cost strategy;

 

    maintain our high level of service notwithstanding the number of different ground transportation services and airport companies that we use in the course of our business;

 

    maintain satisfactory economic arrangements (including benefits) with our executives and our union;

 

    access sufficient gates, slots and other services at airports we currently serve or may seek to serve;

 

    obtain authorization of new routes;

 

    renew or maintain our Concession;

 

    gain access to international routes; and

 

    obtain financing to acquire new aircraft and in connection with our operations.

Our growth depends upon our ability to maintain a safe and secure operation. An inability to hire and retain trained personnel, maintain suitable arrangements with our union, timely secure the required equipment, facilities and airport services in a cost-effective manner, operate our business efficiently or obtain or maintain the necessary regulatory approvals may adversely affect our ability to achieve our growth strategy, which could harm our business. In addition, expansion to new international markets may have other risks due to factors specific to those markets. We may be unable to foresee all of the risks attendant upon entering certain new international markets or respond adequately to these risks, and our growth strategy and our business may suffer as a result. In addition, our competitors may reduce their fares and/or offer special promotions following our entry into a new market. We cannot assure you that we will be able to profitably expand our existing markets or establish new markets.

Our target growth markets are in Mexico and the United States. In the future, we also intend to target markets in Latin America, including countries with less developed economies that may be vulnerable to more unstable economic and political conditions, such as significant fluctuations in GDP, interest and currency exchange rates, civil disturbances, government instability, nationalization and expropriation of private assets and the imposition of taxes or other charges by governments. The occurrence of any of these events in markets served by us and the resulting instability may adversely affect our ability to implement our growth strategy.

Expansion of our markets and services may also strain our existing management resources and operational, financial and management information systems to the point that they may no longer be adequate to support our operations, requiring us to make significant expenditures in these areas. We expect that we will need to develop further financial, operational and management controls, reporting systems and procedures to accommodate future growth. We cannot assure you that we will be able to develop these controls, systems or procedures on a timely basis, and the failure to do so could harm our business.

 

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Our ultra-low-cost structure is one of our primary competitive advantages and many factors could affect our ability to control our costs.

Our ultra-low-cost structure is one of our primary competitive advantages. However, we have limited control over many of our costs. For example, we have limited control over the price and availability of fuel, aviation insurance, airport and related infrastructure taxes, the cost of meeting changing regulatory requirements, and our cost to access capital or financing. We cannot guarantee we will be able to maintain a cost advantage over our competitors. If our cost structure increases and we are no longer able to maintain a cost advantage over our competitors, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Our fuel hedging strategy may not reduce our fuel costs.

Our fuel hedging policy allows us to enter into fuel derivative instruments to hedge against changes in fuel prices when we have excess cash available to support the costs of such hedges. As of December 31, 2016, we had hedged approximately 52% and 24% of our projected fuel requirements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 respectively. However, we cannot provide any assurance that our fuel hedging program is sufficient to protect us against significant increases in the price of fuel. There is no assurance that we will be able to secure new fuel derivative contracts on terms which are commercially acceptable to us or at all. Furthermore, our ability to react to the cost of fuel is limited since we set the price of tickets in advance of incurring fuel costs. Our ability to pass on any significant increases in fuel costs through fare increases is also limited by our low-cost, low-fare business model.

We have a significant amount of fixed obligations that could impair our liquidity and thereby harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The airline business is capital intensive and, as a result, many airline companies are highly leveraged. All of our aircraft and spare engines are leased, and we paid the lessors rent and maintenance deposits aggregating U.S. $260.6 million and U.S. $93.7 million, respectively, in 2016, and have future operating lease obligations aggregating approximately U.S. $1.7 billion over the next 14 years. In addition, we have significant obligations for aircraft and engines that we have ordered from Airbus, IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE) and Pratt & Whitney (P&W), respectively, for delivery over the next four years. Our ability to pay the fixed costs associated with our contractual obligations will depend on our operating performance and cash flow, which will in turn depend on, among other things, the success of our current business strategy, whether fuel prices continue at current price levels and/or further increase or decrease, further weakening or improvement in the Mexican and U.S. economies, whether financing is available on reasonable terms or at all, as well as general economic and political conditions and other factors that are, to some extent, beyond our control. The amount of our aircraft related fixed obligations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and could:

 

    require a substantial portion of cash flow from our operations for operating lease and maintenance deposit payments, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

 

    limit our ability to make required pre-delivery deposit payments to Airbus for our aircraft on order;

 

    limit our ability to obtain additional financing to support our expansion plans and for working capital and other purposes on acceptable terms or at all;

 

    make it more difficult for us to pay our other obligations as they become due during adverse general economic and market industry conditions because any related decrease in revenues could cause us to not have sufficient cash flows from operations to make our scheduled payments;

 

    reduce our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the airline industry and, consequently, place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors with less fixed payment obligations; and

 

    cause us to lose access to one or more aircraft and forfeit our rent and purchase deposits if we are unable to make our required aircraft lease rental payments or purchase installments and our lessors exercise their remedies under the lease agreement including under cross default provisions in certain of our leases.

A failure to pay our operating leases and other fixed cost obligations or a breach of our contractual obligations could result in a variety of adverse consequences, including the exercise of remedies by our creditors and lessors. In such a situation, it is unlikely that we would be able to fulfill our obligations, make required lease payments or otherwise cover our fixed costs, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Inability to obtain lease or debt financing for additional aircraft would impair our growth strategy.

We presently finance our aircraft through operating leases as well as sale and leaseback arrangements. In the future, we may elect to own a portion of our fleet as well as continue to lease aircraft through long-term operating leases. We may not be able to obtain lease or debt financing on terms attractive to us, or at all. To the extent we cannot obtain such financing on acceptable terms or at all, we may be required to modify our aircraft acquisition plans or to incur higher than anticipated financing costs, which would have an adverse impact on the execution of our growth strategy and business.

Our limited lines of credit and borrowing facilities make us highly dependent upon our operating cash flows.

We have limited lines of credit and borrowing facilities, and rely primarily on operating cash flows to provide working capital. Unless we secure additional lines of credit, borrowing facilities or equity financing, we will be dependent upon our operating cash flows to fund our operations and to make scheduled payments on our debt and other fixed obligations. If we fail to generate sufficient funds from our operations to meet these cash requirements or are unable to secure additional lines of credit, other borrowing facilities or equity financing, we could default on our debt and other fixed obligations. Our inability to meet our obligations as they become due would materially adversely affect our ability to grow and seriously harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are highly dependent on the Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara and Cancún airports for a large portion of our business.

Our business is heavily dependent on our routes to and from the Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara and Cancún airports. Routes through Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara and Cancún make up a large portion of the balance of our routes. Most of our slots in Mexico City have currently been granted on a temporary basis and could be withdrawn in the future. Any significant increase in competition, redundancy in demand for air transportation or disruption in service or the fuel supply at these airports, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, conditions affecting services at these airports or our slots, such as adverse changes in local economic or political conditions, negative public perception of these destinations, unfavorable weather conditions, violent crime or drug related activities, could also have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our maintenance costs will increase as our fleet ages.

As of December 31, 2016, the average age of our 69 aircraft in service was approximately 4.2 years. Our relatively new aircraft require less maintenance now than they will in the future. Our fleet will require more maintenance as it ages and our maintenance and repair expenses for each of our aircraft will be incurred at approximately the same intervals. In addition, the terms of most of our lease agreements require us to pay supplemental rent, also known as maintenance deposits, to be paid to the lessor in advance of the performance of major maintenance, resulting in our recording significant aircraft maintenance deposits on our statements of financial position. We expect scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance expenses to increase as a percentage of our revenue over the next several years. Any significant increase in maintenance and repair expenses would have a material adverse effect on our margins and our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our business could be harmed by a change in the availability or cost of air transport infrastructure and airport facilities.

The lack of adequate air transport infrastructure can have a direct adverse impact on our business operations, including our future expansion plans. The availability and cost of terminal space, slots and aircraft parking are critical to our operations. Additional ground and maintenance facilities, including gates and hangars and support equipment will be required to operate additional aircraft in line with our expansion plans and may be unavailable in a timely or economic manner in certain airports. Our inability to lease, acquire or access airport facilities on reasonable terms, at preferred times or based upon adequate service, to support our operations and growth could have a material adverse effect on our operations. Further, as old airports become modernized or new airports are constructed, this may lead to increases in the costs of using airport infrastructure and facilities, and may also result in an increase in related costs such as landing charges. Such increases may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to pass on such increased costs to our passengers is limited by several factors, including economic and competitive conditions.

We are exposed to increases in landing charges and other airport access fees and restrictions, and cannot be assured access to adequate facilities and landing rights necessary to achieve our expansion plans.

We must pay fees to airport operators for the use of their facilities. Any substantial increase in airport charges could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Passenger taxes and airport charges have also increased in recent years, sometimes substantially. We cannot assure you that the airports used by us will not impose, or further increase, passenger taxes and airport charges in the future, particularly in light of increased competition, and any such increases could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Certain airports that we serve (or that we plan to serve in the future) are subject to capacity constraints and impose slot restrictions during certain periods of the day. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain a sufficient number of slots, gates and other facilities at airports to maintain or expand our services as we are proposing to do. It is also possible that airports not currently subject to capacity constraints may become so in the future. In addition, an airline must use its slots on a regular and timely basis or risk having those slots reallocated to other airlines. Where slots or other airport resources are not available or their availability is restricted in some way, we may have to amend our schedules, change routes or reduce aircraft utilization, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, some of the airports we serve impose various restrictions, including limits on aircraft noise levels, limits on the number of average daily departures and curfews on runway use. We cannot assure you that airports at which there are no such restrictions may not implement restrictions in the future or that, where such restrictions exist, they may not become more onerous. Such restrictions may limit our ability to continue to provide or to increase services at such airports.

Our reputation and business could be adversely affected in the event of an emergency, accident or similar incident involving our aircraft.

We are exposed to potential significant losses and material adverse effects on our business in the event that any of our aircraft is subject to an emergency, accident, terrorist incident or other similar incident, and significant costs related to passenger claims, repairs or replacement of a damaged aircraft and its temporary or permanent loss from service. There can be no assurance that we will not be affected by such events, or that the amount of our insurance coverage will be adequate in the event such circumstances arise and any such event could cause a substantial increase in our insurance premiums. See “—Increases in insurance costs and/or significant reductions in coverage would harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.” In addition, any future aircraft emergency, accident or similar incident, even if fully covered by insurance or even if it does not involve our airline, may create a public perception that our airline or the equipment we fly is less safe or reliable than other transportation alternatives, which could have an adverse impact on our reputation and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are exposed to certain risks against which we do not have insurance.

In line with industry practice, we leave some business risks uninsured including business interruption, loss of profit or revenue and consequential business losses arising from mechanical breakdown. To the extent that uninsured risks materialize, we could be materially and adversely affected. There can also be no assurance that our insurance coverage will cover actual losses incurred. To the extent that actual losses incurred by us exceed the amount insured, we may have to bear substantial losses which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

A failure to comply with covenants contained in our aircraft or engine lease agreements, or the occurrence of an event of default thereunder, could have a negative impact on us and our financial condition and results of operations.

We have entered into aircraft and engine operating lease agreements and sale and leaseback arrangements with various lessors. These agreements contain certain events of default and also require us to comply with certain covenants, including covenants triggered by a change of control, during the term of each agreement. The lease agreements generally provide for events of default if (i) we fail to obtain or maintain the insurance required, (ii) we breach any covenant or representation and warranty and do not cure it within the agreed time periods, (iii) we do not have unencumbered control or possession of the aircraft or engines, (iv) we discontinue (temporarily or otherwise) business or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets, (v) we no longer possess the licenses, certificates and permits required for the conduct of our business as a certificated air carrier, (vi) Volaris Opco experiences a change of control, or (vii) we fail to pay when due any airport or navigation charges or any landing fees assessed with respect to the aircraft or any aircraft operated by us which, if unpaid, may give rise to any lien, right of detention, right of sale or other security interest in relation to the aircraft or parts thereof. The lease agreements also provide for events of default in case of certain insolvency events and if a material adverse change occurs in our financial condition which, in lessor’s reasonable opinion, would materially and adversely affect our ability to perform our obligations under the lease agreements and related documents. Failure to comply with covenants could result in a default under the relevant agreement, and ultimately in a re-possession of the relevant aircraft or engine. Certain of these agreements also contain cross default clauses, as a result of which defaults under one agreement may be treated as defaults under other lease agreements. As such, a failure to comply with the covenants in our aircraft and engine lease agreements, or the occurrence of an event of default thereunder, could have a negative impact on us and, as a result, on our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on maintaining a high daily aircraft utilization rate to implement our ultra-low-cost structure, which makes us especially vulnerable to flight delays or cancellations or aircraft unavailability.

One of the key elements of our business strategy is to maintain a high daily aircraft utilization rate. Our average daily aircraft utilization was 12.42 block hours in 2014, 12.68 block hours in 2015 and 12.80 block hours in 2016. Aircraft utilization is the average amount of time per day that our aircraft spend carrying passengers. Our revenue per aircraft can be increased by high daily aircraft utilization, which is achieved in part by reducing turnaround times at airports, so we can fly more hours on average in a day. Aircraft

 

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utilization is reduced by delays and cancellations arising from various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including air traffic congestion at airports or other air traffic control problems, adverse weather conditions, increased security measures or breaches in security, international or domestic conflicts, terrorist activity, health outbreaks or other changes in business conditions. In addition, pulling aircraft out of service for unscheduled and scheduled maintenance, which will increase as our fleet ages, may materially reduce our average fleet utilization. High aircraft utilization increases the risk that if an aircraft falls behind schedule during the day, it could remain behind schedule during the remainder of that day and potentially into the next day, which can result in disruption in operating performance, leading to passenger dissatisfaction related to delayed or cancelled flights and missed connections. Due to the relatively small size of our fleet and high daily aircraft utilization rate, the unavailability of one or more aircraft and resulting reduced capacity or our failure to operate within time schedules, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The growth of our operations to the United States is dependent on Mexico’s continued favorable safety assessment.

The FAA periodically audits the aviation regulatory authorities of other countries. As a result of their investigation, each country is given an International Aviation Safety Assessment, or IASA, rating. In December 2010, Mexico’s IASA rating was upgraded back to Category 1 from Category 2, six months after it had been downgraded due to alleged deficiencies in Mexican air safety standards. We cannot assure you that the government of Mexico, and the DGAC in particular, will continue to meet international safety standards, and we have no direct control over their compliance with IASA guidelines. If Mexico’s IASA rating were to be downgraded in the future, it could restrict our ability to maintain or increase service to the United States, which would in turn adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We rely heavily on technology and automated systems to operate our business and any failure of these technologies or systems or failure by their operators could harm our business.

We are highly dependent on technology and automated systems to operate our business and achieve low operating costs. These technologies and systems include our computerized airline reservation system, flight operations system, financial planning, management and accounting system, telecommunications systems, website, maintenance systems and check-in kiosks. For our operations to work efficiently, our website and reservation system must be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic, maintain secure information and deliver flight information. Substantially all of our tickets are issued to passengers as electronic tickets. We depend on our reservation system, which is hosted and maintained by third-party service providers, to be able to issue, track and accept these electronic tickets. If our reservation system fails or experiences interruptions and we are unable to book seats for any period of time, we could lose significant amounts of revenues as customers book seats on competing airlines. We have experienced short duration reservation system outages from time to time and may experience similar outages in the future. Furthermore, if our flight operations system were to fail, our operations would be materially and adversely affected.

We also rely on third-party service providers of our other automated systems for technical support, system maintenance and software upgrades. If our automated systems are not functioning or function partially or if the current providers were to fail to adequately provide updates or technical support for any one of our key existing systems, we could experience service disruptions and delays, which could harm our business and result in the loss of important data, increase our expenses and decrease our revenues. In the event that one or more of our primary technology or systems’ vendors goes into bankruptcy, ceases operations or fails to perform as contemplated in the agreements, replacement services may not be readily available on a timely basis, at competitive rates or at all and any transition time to a new system may be significant.

We retain personal information received from customers and have put in place security measures to protect against unauthorized access to such information. Personal information is further protected under applicable Mexican law. Personal information held both offline and online is highly sensitive and, if third parties were to access such information without the customers’ prior consent or if third parties were to misappropriate that information, our reputation could be adversely affected and customers could bring legal claims against us, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may be liable to credit card companies should any credit card information be accessed and misused as a result of lack of sufficient security systems implemented by us.

In addition, our automated systems cannot be completely protected against events that are beyond our control, including natural disasters, computer viruses or telecommunications failures. Substantial or sustained system failures could cause service delays or failures and result in our customers purchasing tickets from other airlines. We have implemented security measures, back-up procedures and disaster recovery plans; however, we cannot assure you that these measures are adequate to prevent disruptions. Disruption in, changes to or a breach of, these systems could result in the disruption to our business and the loss of important data. These disruptions may also result in adverse economic consequences. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We rely on third-party service providers to perform functions integral to our operations.

We have entered into agreements with third-party service providers to furnish certain facilities and services required for our operations, including Lufthansa Technik AG for certain technical services and Aeromantenimiento S.A., or Aeroman, a FAA-approved maintenance provider, for our heavy airframe and engine maintenance, as well as other third-party service providers, including the concessionaries’ of the Mexican airports in which we operate, for ground handling, catering, passenger handling, engineering, refueling and airport facilities as well as administrative and support services. We are likely to enter into similar service agreements in new markets we decide to enter, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the necessary services at acceptable rates.

Although we seek to monitor the performance of third-party service providers, their efficiency, timeliness and quality of contract performance are often beyond our control, and any failure by any of them to perform their contracts may have an adverse impact on our business and operations. We expect to be dependent on such third-party arrangements for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, our agreements with third parties are subject to termination upon short notice. The loss or expiration of these contracts or any inability to renew them or negotiate and enter into contracts with other providers at comparable rates could harm our business. Our reliance upon others to provide essential services on our behalf also gives us less control over costs, and the efficiency, timeliness and quality of contract services.

Our processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal data could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation.

In the processing of our customer transactions, we receive, process, transmit and store a large volume of identifiable personal data, including financial data such as credit card information. This data is subject to legislation and regulation, intended to protect the privacy of personal data that is collected, processed and transmitted. More generally, we rely on consumer confidence in the security of our system, including our internet site on which we sell the majority of our tickets. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to comply with existing privacy obligations or legislation or regulations are expanded to require changes in our business practices. Furthermore, lawsuits may be initiated against us and our reputation may be negatively affected if we fail to comply with applicable law and privacy obligations.

We depend on our non-ticket revenue to remain profitable, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our non-ticket revenue base.

Our business strategy significantly relies upon our portfolio of non-ticket revenues, including ancillary products and services and cargo revenue, on which we depend to remain profitable due to our ULCC strategy of low base fares. There can be no assurance that passengers will pay for additional ancillary products and services or that passengers will continue to choose to pay for the ancillary products and services we currently offer. Failure to maintain our non-ticket revenues would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, if we are unable to maintain and grow our non-ticket revenues, we may not be able to execute our strategy to continue to lower base fares in order to stimulate demand for air travel. In addition, our strategy to increase and develop non-ticket revenue by charging for additional ancillary services may be adversely perceived by our customers and negatively affect our business.

Restrictions on or increased taxes applicable to fees or other charges for ancillary products and services paid by airlines passengers could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our non-ticket revenues are generated from (i) air travel-related services (ii) revenues from non-air-travel related services and (iii) cargo services. Air travel-related services include but are not limited to fees charged for excess baggage, bookings through the call center or third-party agencies, advanced seat selection, itinerary changes, charters and passenger charges for no-show tickets. Revenues from non-air-travel-related services include commissions charged to third parties for the sale of hotel rooms, trip insurance and rental cars. Additionally, services not directly related to air transportation include Volaris’ sale of VClub membership and the sale of advertising spaces to third parties.

In April 2011, the DOT published a broad set of final rules relating to, among other things, how airlines handle interactions with passengers through advertising, the reservations process, at the airport and on board the aircraft. The final rules require airlines to publish a full fare for a flight, including mandatory taxes and fees, and to enhance disclosure of the cost of optional products and services, including baggage charges. The rules restrict airlines from increasing ticket prices post-purchase (other than increases resulting from changes in government-imposed fees or taxes) and increasing significantly the amount and scope of compensation payable to passengers involuntarily denied boarding due to oversales. The final rules also extend the applicability of penalties to include international flights and provide that reservations made more than one week prior to flight date may be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for 24 hours. Failure to remain in full compliance with these rules may subject us to fines or other enforcement action, including requirements to modify our passenger reservations system, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, we cannot assure you that compliance with these new rules will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

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In addition, the U.S. Congress and Federal administrative agencies have undertaken investigations of the airline industry practice of unbundling services, including public hearings held in 2010. If new taxes are imposed on non-ticket revenues, or if other laws or regulations are adopted that make unbundling of services impermissible, or more cumbersome or expensive than the new rules described above, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Congressional and other government agency scrutiny may also change industry practice or public willingness to pay for ancillary services. See also “—Compliance with airline industry regulations involves significant costs and regulations enacted in both Mexico and the United States may increase our costs significantly in the future.”

Changes in how we or others are permitted to operate at airports could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our results of operations may be affected by actions taken by the Mexican airports’ concessionaires, governmental or other agencies or authorities having jurisdiction over our operations at airports, including, but not limited to:

 

    termination of our airport use agreements, some of which can be terminated by the other party or airport authorities with little notice to us;

 

    international travel regulations such as customs and immigration;

 

    increases in taxes;

 

    changes in the law that affect the services that can be offered by airlines in particular markets and at particular airports;

 

    strikes and other similar disruptions affecting airports;

 

    restrictions on competitive practices;

 

    the adoption of statutes or regulations that impact customer service standards, including security and health standards and termination of licenses or concessions to operate airports; and

 

    the adoption of more restrictive locally-imposed noise regulations or curfews.

In general, any changes in airport operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We rely on a number of single suppliers for our fuel, aircraft and engines.

We purchase fuel from Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares, or ASA, which also supplies fuel and fills our aircraft tanks in Mexico, where we do most of the fillings. In the United States, we have entered into fuel supply agreements with suppliers such as World Fuel Services, or WFS, BP Products North America, Chevron and Associated Energy Group pursuant to which those companies or their affiliates sell fuel to us at various airports as specified in the agreements. The agreement with ASA expires in March 2018 and may be terminated by us with 60-days prior notice and by ASA only if we do not pay for the fuel provided. If ASA or our other fuel providers offer fuel to one or more of our competitors at a more competitive price or with more advantageous terms, it may materially affect our ability to compete against other airlines, and may have a material effect on our business. If ASA or our other fuel providers terminate their agreements with us, are unwilling to renew them upon termination or are unable or unwilling to cover our fuel needs, we would have to seek alternative sources of fuel. Currently, no substitute exists for ASA as a fuel supplier in Mexico. We cannot assure you that we will be able to find another fuel provider or, if so, whether we will be able to find one that provides fuel in such a cost-effective a manner as our current agreements with ASA and other fuel providers. Failure to renew agreements or to source fuel from alternate sources will materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

One of the elements of our business strategy is to save costs by operating an aircraft fleet consisting solely of Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, narrow body aircraft, powered by engines manufactured by IAE and P&W. We currently intend to continue to rely exclusively on these aircraft and engine manufacturers for the foreseeable future. If Airbus, IAE or P&W becomes unable to perform its contractual obligations, or if we are unable to acquire or lease aircraft or engines or spare parts from other owners, operators or lessors on acceptable terms, we would have to find other suppliers for a similar type of aircraft, engine or spare parts. If we have to lease or purchase aircraft from another supplier, we would lose the significant benefits we derive from our current single fleet composition. We may also incur substantial transition costs, including costs associated with retraining our employees, replacing our manuals and adapting our facilities and maintenance programs. Our operations could also be materially affected by the failure or inability of aircraft, engine and parts suppliers to provide sufficient spare parts or related support services on a timely basis.

 

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Any real or perceived problem with the Airbus A320 family aircraft or IAE and P&W engines could adversely affect our operations.

We operate a uniform fleet of Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, which belong to the Airbus A320 family aircraft. Our aircraft also exclusively use IAE and P&W engines. Our dependence on the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft and IAE and P&W engines makes us particularly vulnerable to any problems that might be associated with the Airbus A320 family aircraft or engines. If any design defect or mechanical problem is discovered, or if the technology relating to such aircrafts should become obsolete, our aircraft may have to be grounded while such defect or problem is corrected, assuming it could be corrected at all. Any such defect or problem may also result in aviation authorities in Mexico and the United States implementing certain airworthiness directives which may require substantial cost to comply with. Further, our operations could be materially adversely affected if passengers avoid flying with us as a result of an adverse perception of the Airbus A320 family aircraft or IAE and P&W engines due to real or perceived safety concerns or other problems.

Cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security could have an adverse effect on our business

Cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security may cause equipment failures or disruptions to our operations. Our inability to operate our networks as a result of such events, even for a limited period of time, may result in significant expenses or loss of market share to other airlines. Cyber-attacks, which include the use of malware, computer viruses and other means for disruption or unauthorized access to companies, have increased in frequency, scope and potential harm in recent years. The preventive actions we take to reduce the risk of cyber incidents and protect our information technology and networks may be insufficient to repel a major cyber-attack in the future. The costs associated with a major cyber-attack on us could include increased expenditures on cyber security measures, litigation, damage to our reputation, lost revenues from business interruption and the loss of existing customers and business partners. In addition, if we fail to prevent the theft of valuable information such as financial data and sensitive information about us, or if we fail to protect the privacy of customer and employee confidential data against breaches of network or information technology security, it could result in damage to our reputation, which could adversely impact customer and investor confidence. Any of these occurrences could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel or fail to maintain our company culture, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

We require large numbers of pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians and other personnel, and our growth strategy will require us to hire, train and retain a significant number of new employees in the future. The airline industry has from time to time experienced a shortage of qualified personnel, particularly with respect to pilots and maintenance technicians. This has been particularly acute for Mexico. In addition, as is common with most of our competitors, we have faced considerable turnover of our employees. We may be required to increase wages and/or benefits or to implement additional training programs in order to attract and retain qualified personnel. If we are unable to hire, train and retain qualified employees, our business could be affected adversely and we may be unable to complete our growth plans.

In addition, as we hire more people and grow, we believe it may be increasingly challenging to continue to hire people who will maintain our company culture. Our company culture, which is one of our competitive strengths, is important to providing high-quality customer service and having a productive, accountable workforce that helps keep our costs low. As we continue to grow, we may be unable to identify, hire or retain enough people who meet the above criteria, including those in management or other key positions. Our company culture could otherwise be adversely affected by our growing operations and geographic diversity. If we fail to maintain the strength of our company culture, our competitive ability and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

Increased labor costs, union disputes, employee strikes, and other labor-related disruption may adversely affect our operations.

Our business is labor intensive, with labor costs representing approximately 11%, 12% and 12% of our total operating costs for the fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 74% of our workforce was represented by the general aviation union (Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Industria Aeronaútica, Similares y Conexos de la República Méxicana—STIAS) and thereby covered by substantially the same collective bargaining agreement entered into between us and each of our subsidiaries. The collective bargaining agreements are negotiated every two years in respect of general labor conditions and every year in connection with wages. Our current agreements with this union will expire in February 2018. The terms and conditions of our future collective bargaining agreements may be affected by the results of collective bargaining negotiations at other airlines that may have a greater ability, due to larger scale, greater efficiency or other factors, to bear higher costs than we can. We cannot assure you that our labor costs going forward will remain competitive because in the future our labor agreements may be amended and new agreements could have terms with higher labor costs or more onerous conditions, one or more of our competitors may significantly reduce their labor costs, thereby reducing or eliminating our comparative advantages as to one or more of such competitors, or our labor costs may increase in connection with our growth. Traditionally, the relationship between Mexican legacy carriers and their unions has been complex. We may also become subject to additional collective bargaining agreements in the future as non-unionized workers may unionize or unionized workers may decide to join a different union. If we are unable to reach agreement with any of our unionized work groups on future negotiations regarding the terms of their collective bargaining agreements, we may be subject to work interruptions or stoppages. Any such action or other labor dispute with unionized employees (including negotiation of more onerous conditions), or the deterioration of the relationship between unions and businesses in Mexico, could disrupt our operations, reduce our profitability, or interfere with the ability of our management to focus on executing our business strategies.

 

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Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if we lose the services of our key personnel.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of our senior management team and key financial and operating personnel. Competition for highly qualified personnel is intense, and the loss of any executive officer, senior manager or other key employee without adequate replacement or the inability to attract new qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Experienced executives in the airline industry are difficult to source. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on our management team.

Because we have a limited operating history, it is difficult to evaluate an investment in the ADSs.

We began flight operations in March 2006. It is difficult to evaluate our future prospects and an investment in the ADSs because of our limited operating history. Our prospects are uncertain and must be considered in light of the risks, uncertainties and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stage of operations. Historically, there has been a high failure rate among start-up airlines, particularly in Mexico. Our future performance will depend upon a number of factors, including our ability to implement our growth strategy, choose new markets successfully, maintain our ultra-low-cost structure, provide high-quality customer service at low prices, attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, hedge against fuel price, react to customer and market demands, operate at airports providing adequate service, and maintain the safety of our operations. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address any of these factors, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the market price of the ADSs.

Our results of operations will fluctuate.

The airline industry is by nature cyclical and seasonal, and our operating results can be expected to vary from quarter to quarter. We generally expect demand to be greater during the summer months in the northern hemisphere, in December and around Easter, which can fall either in the first or second quarter, compared to the rest of the year. We generally experience our lowest levels of passenger traffic in February, September and October. Given our high proportion of fixed costs, seasonality can affect our profitability from quarter to quarter. Demand for air travel is also affected by factors such as economic conditions, war or the threat of war, fare levels, security and health concerns and weather conditions.

In addition, we expect our quarterly operating results to fluctuate in the future based on a variety of other factors, including:

 

    the timing and success of our growth plans as we increase flights in existing markets and enter new markets;

 

    changes in fuel, security, health and insurance costs;

 

    increases in personnel, marketing, aircraft ownership and other operating expenses to support our anticipated growth; and

 

    the timing and amount of maintenance expenditures.

Due to the factors described above and others described in this annual report, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of operating results may not be good indicators of our future performance. In addition, it is possible that in any quarter our operating results could be below the expectations of investors and any published reports or analyses regarding our company. In that event, the price of the ADSs could decline, perhaps substantially.

We do not have a control group.

Since the completion of our initial public offering on September 23, 2013, we have not had a control group and corporate decisions requiring shareholder approval, such as the election of a majority of the board of directors, are made by the majority of our Series A shareholders, which shares are required to be owned by Mexican nationals. We no longer have a control group because holders of ADSs and CPOs do not have voting rights, and the CPOs and ADSs are voted by the CPO trustee in the same manner as the majority of the holders of Series A shares that are not represented by CPOs or ADSs. Thus, there are no large groups holding a large block. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a significant block of shareholders will form in the future because no person or group of persons is permitted to acquire more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock without our board of directors’ consent. As a result, a shareholder or shareholders of a very small number of Series A shares could determine the outcome of any shareholder vote without being a control group.

 

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We require the affirmative vote of our principal shareholders to make certain corporate decisions.

Our current principal non-Mexican shareholders, Discovery Air, Blue Sky Investments and Indigo, own Series B shares, that are convertible into Series A shares, subsequent to the offering. Series A shares that are converted may be deposited in the CPO trust. The Series B shares are not and are not intended to be listed on any exchange and currently represent 13.24% of our outstanding capital stock that is not represented by CPOs (including ADSs). Holders of Series B shares are entitled to vote their shares on all matters and, for so long as such Series B shares represent 12% or more of our outstanding capital stock, their affirmative vote will be required to approve any matters related to (i) by-law amendments affecting Series B shares, (ii) delisting of Series A shares from any stock exchange, (iii) mergers or spinoffs affecting us, (iv) incurring indebtedness or granting guarantees if the Lease-Adjusted Net Debt to EBIDTAR ratio exceeds 3.25 times (Lease-Adjusted Net Debt is the sum of short-term and long-term debt, 7.0 times the aircraft rentals for the last four quarters, less cash and cash equivalents at the end of the last quarter for which financial statements have been prepared), and (v) change of material accounting policies. The exercise of any such consent rights may conflict with the interests of our majority shareholders. Likewise, together, the Series B shareholders shall have the right to appoint and revoke the designation of three members of the board of directors and their respective alternates, as long as the Series B shares represent at least 12% of our outstanding capital stock.

Volaris is a holding company and does not have any material assets other than the shares of its subsidiaries.

Volaris is a holding company that conducts its operations through a series of operating subsidiaries. We support these operating subsidiaries with technical and administrative services through various other subsidiaries of Volaris. All of the assets we use to perform administrative and technical services and to operate the concessions and authorizations are held at the subsidiary level. As a result, Volaris does not have any material assets other than the shares of its subsidiaries. Dividends or payments that Volaris may be required to make will be subject to the availability of cash provided by its subsidiaries. Transfers of cash from Volaris’ subsidiaries to Volaris may be further limited by corporate and legal requirements, or by the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness. If a shareholder were to assert a claim against Volaris, the enforcement of any related judgment would be limited to the available assets of Volaris, rather than the assets of Volaris and its combined subsidiaries.

Risks related to our securities and the ADSs

The trading prices for the ADSs and our Series A shares may fluctuate significantly.

Future trading prices of the ADSs or Series A shares may be volatile, and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, including:

 

    changes in the market valuation of companies that provide similar services;

 

    economic, regulatory, political and market conditions in Mexico, the United States and other countries;

 

    industry conditions or trends;

 

    availability of routes and airport space;

 

    the introduction of new services by us or by our competitors;

 

    our historical and anticipated quarterly and annual operating results;

 

    variations between our actual or anticipated results and analyst and investor expectations;

 

    announcements by us or others and developments affecting our business;

 

    changes in technology affecting our aircraft;

 

    announcements, results or actions taken by our competitors;

 

    investors’ perceptions of our company or the services we provide;

 

    changes in financial or economic estimates by securities analysts;

 

    our announcement of significant transactions or capital commitments;

 

    currency devaluations and imposition of capital controls;

 

    additions or departures of key management;

 

    future sales of the ADSs and Series A shares;

 

    strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;

 

    accidents, health concerns and other events affecting airline operations;

 

    media reports and publications about the safety of our aircraft or the aircraft type we operate;

 

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    changes in the price of fuel;

 

    announcements concerning the availability of the type of aircraft we use;

 

    changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts or failure to meet analysts’ performance expectations; or

 

    sales of our common stock or other actions by investors with significant shareholdings.

The stock markets in general have experienced substantial volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These types of broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Series A shares and ADSs. In the past, stockholders have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. See Item 8: “Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—IPO Securities Litigation” for a description of a securities class action lawsuit (that has been dismissed) against us, our CEO, CFO, three current directors and our former chairman, brought on behalf of purchasers of ADSs in our initial public offering. Any similar litigation against us could result in substantial costs, divert management’s attention and resources, and harm our business or results of operations.

The relatively low liquidity and high volatility of the Mexican securities market may cause trading prices and volumes of our Series A shares and the ADSs to fluctuate significantly.

The Mexican Stock Exchange is one of Latin America’s largest exchanges in terms of aggregate market capitalization of the companies listed therein, but it remains relatively illiquid and volatile compared to other major foreign stock markets. Although the public participates in the trading of securities on the Mexican Stock Exchange, a substantial portion of trading activity on the Mexican Stock Exchange is conducted by or on behalf of large institutional investors. The trading volume for securities issued by emerging market companies, as Mexican companies, tends to be lower than the trading volume of securities issued by companies in more developed countries. These market characteristics may limit the ability of a holder of our Series A shares to sell its Series A shares and may also adversely affect the market price of the Series A shares and, as a result, the market price of the ADSs.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

If we issue additional equity securities in the future, shareholders may suffer dilution, and trading prices for our securities may decline.

In connection with our business strategy of expanding through acquisitions, we may finance corporate needs and expenditures, or future transactions, by issuing additional capital stock. Any such issuances of capital stock would result in the dilution of shareholders’ ownership stake. In addition, future issuances of our equity securities or sales by our shareholders or management, or the announcement that we or they intend to make such an issuance or sale, could result in a decrease in the market price of the ADSs and Series A shares.

Provisions of Mexican law and our by-laws make a takeover more difficult, which may impede the ability of holders of Series A shares or ADSs to benefit from a change in control or to change our management and board of directors.

Provisions of Mexican law and our by-laws may make it difficult and costly for a third party to pursue a tender offer or other takeover attempt resulting in a change of control. Holders of ADSs may desire to participate in one of these transactions, but may not have an opportunity to do so. For example, our by-laws contain provisions which, among other things, require board approval prior to any person or group of persons acquiring, directly or indirectly, (i) 5% or more of our shares (whether directly or by acquiring ADSs or CPOs), or (ii) 20% or more of our shares (whether directly or by acquiring ADSs or CPOs) and in the case of this item (ii) if such approval is obtained, require the acquiring person to make a tender offer to purchase 100% of our shares and CPOs (or other securities that represent them) at a substantial premium over the market price of our shares to be determined by the board of directors, based upon the advice of a financial advisor.

These provisions could substantially impede the ability of a third party to control us, and be detrimental to shareholders desiring to benefit from any change of control premium paid on the sale of the company in connection with a tender offer. See Item 10: “Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Overview—Change of Control Provisions” and “Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Overview —Voting Rights.”

 

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Substantial sales of the ADSs or Series A shares could cause the price of the ADSs or Series A shares to decrease.

We may finance future corporate needs and expenditures by using shares of Series A common stock, to be evidenced by Series A shares or ADSs. Any such issuances of such shares could result in a dilution of your ownership stake or a decrease in the market price of the ADSs or the Series A shares. In addition, our principal shareholders are entitled to rights with respect to registration of their shares under the Securities Act, pursuant to the registration rights agreement we have on file with the SEC. Please see Item 7: “Major Shareholders and related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” For example, on November 16, 2015, certain of our principal shareholders, including affiliates of Discovery Americas, and Blue Sky Investments, exercised registration rights in the form of ADS’s, pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and sold 99,000,000 CPOs in the form of ADSs at a price to the public of U.S. $16.00 per ADS in the United States and the other countries outside of Mexico. In connection with that offering, the underwriters also exercised their option in full to purchase 9,900,000 additional CPOs in the form of ADSs to cover over-allotments, for a total offering of 108,900,000 CPOs in the form of ADSs. This exercise of their registration rights, and any future exercise, with respect to such shares, means that there are Series A shares eligible for trading in the public market, which may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Series A shares and ADSs.

Non-Mexican investors may not hold our Series A shares directly and must have them held in a CPO trust at all times.

Each ADS represents ten CPOs and each CPO represents a financial interest in one Series A share. Non-Mexican investors in the ADSs may not directly hold the underlying Series A shares, but may hold them only indirectly through CPOs issued by a Mexican bank as trustee under the CPO trust or ADSs evidencing CPOs. Upon expiration of the 50-year term of our CPO trust agreement, the underlying Series A shares must be placed in a new trust similar to the current CPO trust for non-Mexican investors to hold an economic interest in such Series A shares, or be sold to third parties or be delivered to non-Mexican holders to the extent then permitted by applicable law (not currently permitted). We cannot assure you that a new trust similar to the CPO trust will be created if the current CPO trust terminates, or that, if necessary, the Series A shares represented by the CPOs will be sold at an adequate price, or that Mexican law will be amended to permit the transfer of Series A shares to non-Mexican holders in the event that the trust is terminated. In that event, unless Mexican law has changed to permit non-Mexican investors to hold our shares directly, non-Mexican holders may be required to cause all of the Series A shares represented by the CPOs to be sold to a Mexican individual or corporation.

We have obtained authorization from the Mexican Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) for the issuance up to 90% of our outstanding capital stock in CPOs. Since non-Mexican investors are required to invest in CPOs in order to hold any interest in our capital stock, if this 90% threshold were to be met, we would be unable to obtain additional capital contributions from non-Mexican investors.

Holders of the ADSs and CPOs have no voting rights.

Holders of the ADSs and CPOs are not entitled to vote the underlying Series A shares. As a result, holders of the ADSs and CPOs do not have any influence over the decisions made relating to our company’s business or operations, nor are they protected from the results of any such corporate action taken by our holders of Series A shares and Series B shares. Mexican investors will determine the outcome of substantially all shareholder matters, subject to the rights of the holders of Series B shares that are required to vote affirmatively to approve certain limited matters. For a more complete description of the circumstances under which holders of our securities may vote, see Item 10: “Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Overview.”

Preemptive rights may be unavailable to non-Mexican holders of the ADSs and CPOs and, as a result, such holders may suffer dilution.

Except in certain circumstances, under Mexican law, if we issue new shares of common stock for cash as part of a capital increase, we must grant our shareholders the right to subscribe and pay for a sufficient number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentage in our company. Rights to subscribe and pay for shares in these circumstances are known as preemptive rights. We may not legally be permitted to allow holders of ADSs and CPOs in the United States to exercise any preemptive rights in any future capital increase unless we file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to that future issuance of shares or the offering qualifies for an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Similar restrictions may apply to holders of ADSs and CPOs in other jurisdictions. We cannot assure you that we will file a registration statement with the SEC, or any other regulatory authority, to allow holders of ADSs and CPOs in the United States, or any other jurisdiction, to participate in a preemptive rights offering. At the time of any future capital increase, we will evaluate the costs and potential liabilities associated with filing a registration statement with the SEC and any other factors that we consider important to determine whether we will file such a registration statement. Under Mexican law, sales by the depositary of preemptive rights and distribution of the proceeds from such sales to you, the ADS holders, is not possible.

In addition, additional CPOs may be issued only if the CPO deed permits the issuance of a number of CPOs sufficient to represent the shares to be issued to and held by the CPO trustee upon the exercise of preemptive rights. Because non-Mexican holders of ADSs and CPOs are not entitled to acquire direct ownership of the underlying Series A shares in respect of such ADSs and CPOs, they may not be able to exercise their preemptive rights if the CPO deed will not permit additional CPOs to be delivered in an amount sufficient to represent the shares of common stock to be issued as a result of the exercise of preemptive rights on behalf of non-

 

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Mexican ADS or CPO holders, unless the CPO deed is modified, or a new CPO deed is entered into, which permits delivery of the number of CPOs necessary to represent the shares to be subscribed and paid as a result of the exercise of such preemptive rights. Although we expect to take all measures necessary to maintain sufficient CPOs available to permit non-Mexican holders of ADSs and CPOs to exercise preemptive rights, if and when applicable, no assurances can be made that we will be able to do so, particularly because regulatory approvals in Mexico are necessary for the issuance and delivery of CPOs. As a result of the limitations described above, if we issue additional shares in the future in connection with circumstances giving rise to preemptive rights, the equity interests of holders of ADSs and CPOs may be diluted. See Item 10: “Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Preemptive Rights.”

We do not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future, and our revolving line of credit with Banco Santander México and Bancomext may limit our ability to declare and pay dividends.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the further development and expansion of our business and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors, will require the approval of our general shareholders meeting, may only be paid if losses for prior fiscal years have been unpaid and if shareholders have approved the net income from which the dividends are paid, and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in current or future financing instruments and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. In addition, our revolving line of credit with Banco Santander México and Bancomext may limit our ability to declare and pay dividends in the event that we fail to comply with the payment terms thereunder. See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Loan Agreements” and Item 8: “Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividend Policy.”

Minority shareholders may be less able to enforce their rights against us, our directors, or our controlling shareholders in Mexico.

Under Mexican law, the protections afforded to minority shareholders are different from those afforded to minority shareholders in the United States. For example, because Mexican laws concerning fiduciary duties of directors (i.e., the duty of care and the duty of loyalty) have been in existence for a relatively short period and are not as developed as securities laws in other jurisdictions, it is complex for minority shareholders to bring an action against directors for breach of these duties, as would be permitted in some other foreign jurisdictions. Also, such actions may not be initiated as a direct action, but as a shareholder derivative suit (that is for the benefit of our company and not the initiating shareholder). The grounds for shareholder derivative actions under Mexican law are limited. Even though applicable law has been modified to so permit, and procedures for class action lawsuits have been adopted in Mexico, there is very limited experience with regards to class action lawsuits and how procedures for such suits are followed in Mexico. Therefore, it will be much more difficult for minority shareholders to enforce their rights against us, our directors, or our controlling shareholders than it would be for minority shareholders of a U.S. company.

Mexico has different corporate disclosure and accounting standards than those in the United States and other countries.

A principal objective of the securities laws of the United States, Mexico and other countries is to promote full and fair disclosure of all material corporate information, including accounting information. However, there may be different or less publicly available information about issuers of securities in Mexico than is regularly made available by public companies in countries with highly developed capital markets, including the United States.

 

ITEM 4 INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. History and Development of the Company

We were founded on October 27, 2005 under the name Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A. de C.V. by Blue Sky Investments, S.à r.l., Discovery Air Investments, L.P., Corporativo Vasco de Quiroga, S.A. de C.V. and Sinca Inbursa, S.A. de C.V., Sociedad de Inversión de Capitales.

In July 2010, we underwent a change in our ownership with the incorporation of Mexican investors, certain investment funds managed by Discovery Americas (including Discovery Air), Blue Sky Investments and Indigo as new equity shareholders with expertise in the aviation industry.

On July 16, 2010, we became a sociedad anónima promotora de inversión de capital variable, or variable capital investment promotion stock corporation. In June 2013, we became a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable, or variable capital public stock corporation, under the name Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. See Item 9: “The Offer and Listing—Markets—The Mexican Stock Market—Mexican Securities Market Law” for a description of the differences between these two forms of legal entities.

 

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On September 23, 2013, we and certain of our shareholders completed a dual-listing initial public offering on NYSE and the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Company raised Ps.2.68 billion (approximately U.S. $207.7 million) of gross proceeds from the global offering of 173,076,910 Series A shares, consisting of (i) an offering of Series A shares in Mexico and (ii) a concurrent international offering of CPOs in the form of ADSs in the United States and other countries outside of Mexico, at a public offering price of Ps.15.51 per share (U.S. $1.20 dollars) or U.S. $12.00 per ADS. Each ADS represents ten CPOs and each CPO represents a financial interest in one of our Series A shares. The Series A shares were listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “VOLAR” and the ADSs were listed on NYSE under the trading symbol “VLRS.” The Series A shares and ADSs began trading on September 18, 2013.

On November 16, 2015, certain of our principal shareholders, including affiliates of Discovery Americas, and Blue Sky Investments, exercised registration rights in the form of ADS’s and sold 99,000,000 CPOs in the form of ADSs, at a price to the public of U.S. $16.00 per ADS in the United States and the other countries outside of Mexico, pursuant to our shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC. In connection with that offering, the underwriters also exercised their option in full to purchase 9,900,000 additional CPOs in the form of ADSs to cover over-allotments, for a total offering of 108,900,000 CPOs in the form of ADSs.

Overview

We are an ultra-low-cost carrier, or ULCC, incorporated under the laws of Mexico. Our primary corporate offices and headquarters are located in Mexico City at Av. Antonio Dovalí Jaime No. 70, 13th Floor, Tower B, Colonia Zedec Santa Fe, México City, México, zip code 01210. Our telephone number is +52-55-5261-6400.

Since we began operations in 2006, we have increased our routes from five to more than 164 and grown our cost-efficient Airbus A320 family aircraft from four to 69 as of December 31, 2016. We currently operate up to 302 daily flight segments on routes that connect 40 cities in Mexico as well as 28 cities in the United States and Central America. We have substantial market presence in the top five airports in Mexico, based on number of passengers, comprising Cancún, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana. The main cities we currently serve are home to some of the most populous Mexican communities in the United States based on data from the Pew Hispanic Research Center. Additionally, our operating subsidiary in Costa Rica, Vuela Aviación, S.A., began operations on December 1, 2016. We seek to replicate our ultra-low cost model in Central America by offering low base fares and point-to-point service in the region.

We are the lowest cost carrier based on CASM among the other Latin American publicly traded airlines. In 2016, our CASM was Ps.124.4 cents (U.S. $6.0 cents), compared to an average CASM of U.S. $10.5 cents for the other Latin American publicly traded airlines. We also have lower costs than our U.S.-based publicly traded target market competitors, including Alaska Air, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United, which had an average CASM of U.S. $12.4 cents in 2016. With our ULCC business model, we have grown significantly while maintaining a low CASM over the last five years. We have achieved this through our efficient and uniform fleet, high asset utilization, our emphasis on direct sales and distribution and our variable, performance-based compensation structure. We have a relentless focus on low costs as part of our organizational culture, and we believe that we can further lower our CASM by deploying additional sharklet technology equipped Airbus A320 aircraft and leveraging our existing infrastructure to drive economies of scale. We believe that further reductions to our CASM will allow us to continue to lower base fares, stimulate market demand and increase non-ticket revenue opportunities.

Our ULCC business model and low CASM allow us to compete principally through offering low base fares to stimulate demand. We use our yield management system to set our fares in an effort to achieve appropriate yields and load factors on each route we operate. We use promotional fares to stimulate demand and our base fares are priced to compete with long-distance bus fares in Mexico. During 2016, our average base fare was Ps.1,189 (U.S. $58) and we regularly offer promotional base fares of down to Ps.699 (U.S. $34). Since May 2012, we have unbundled certain components of our air travel service as part of a strategy to enable our passengers to select and pay for the products and services they want to use. This unbundling strategy has allowed us to significantly grow our non-ticket and total revenue. We plan to continue to use low base fares to stimulate additional passenger demand, shift bus passengers to air travel and increase our load factor. In 2016, our average load factor was 85.8%, compared to an average load factor of 81.7% for the other Latin American publicly traded airlines and 83.3% for our U.S.-based publicly traded target market competitors. Higher load factors help us generate additional non-ticket and total revenue, which in turn, allow us to further lower base fares and stimulate new demand.

In addition to low fares, we also aim to deliver a high quality flying experience to our passengers. We strive to deliver on-time performance to our customers, with an 75.4% on-time performance rate in 2016. We believe that we have developed strong brand recognition due to our focus on delivering good value and a positive traveling experience to our customers. We believe that our corporate culture of positive “customer relationship management” has also been a key element of our success.

Principal Capital Expenditures

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we incurred capital expenditures of Ps.1.6 billion, Ps.1.5 billion and Ps.2.3 billion, which include acquisitions of two spare engines, rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment and acquisitions of intangible assets. For a discussion of our capital expenditures and future projections, see Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

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Mexican Regulation

Operational Regulation

Air transportation services for passengers provided on a regular basis, as opposed to charter flights and permits, are considered a public service in Mexico. To render regular air transportations services, a concession granted by the Mexican federal government is required. The legal framework of the air transportation industry in Mexico is primarily established by the Mexican Aviation Law (Ley de Aviación Civil) and its regulations, the Mexican Airport Law (Ley de Aeropuertos) and its regulations, the General Communications Ways Law (Ley de Vias Generales de Comunicación), and applicable Mexican Official Rules (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas). The main regulatory authority overseeing air transportation is the SCT, acting mainly through the DGAC.

Pursuant to the Mexican Aviation Law, the SCT, through the DGAC, is responsible and has the authority, among others, to (i) impose and conduct the policies and programs for the regulation and development of air transportation services; (ii) grant concessions and permits, oversee compliance with, and, if applicable, resolve amendments to or termination of such concessions or permits; (iii) issue the Mexican Official Rules and other administrative provisions; (iv) provide and control the air navigation services; (v) issue and enforce the safety and health rules that must be observed in air transportation services; (vi) issue certificates of registration, certificates of airworthiness, and certificates to air services providers and declare the suspension, cancellation, revalidation or revocation of such certificates; (vii) maintain and operate the Mexican Aeronautical Registry (Registro Aéronautico Mexicano), where aircraft and leases over aircrafts are regulated; (viii) participate in the international agencies and in the negotiation of treaties; (ix) promote the development and training of the aeronautical technical staff; (x) issue and, if applicable, revalidate or cancel the licenses of the aeronautical technical staff; (xi) interpret the Mexican Aviation Law and its regulations for administrative purposes; (xii) authorize the verification visits; (xiii) appoint or, if applicable, remove the regional commanding officer and the commanding officers for airports, heliports and civil airdromes in general, and (xiv) approve flight plans.

The DGAC primarily oversees and verifies compliance by the concessionaires, licensees, operators and airline services providers with the Mexican Aviation Law, its regulations, the Mexican Official Rules and any other applicable provisions.

A concession granted by the SCT is required to render domestic and regular air transportation services in Mexico. Any such concession may only be granted to Mexican entities which meet certain technical, financial, legal and administrative requirements that are deemed necessary to adequately provide services with quality, safety, and timeliness. Other requirements to be met to obtain a concession are (i) the availability of aircraft and aircraft equipment, which is required to comply with technical requirements of safety, airworthiness conditions and environmental conditions; (ii) the availability of hangars, repair shops and infrastructure needed for operations, as well as the availability of technical and administrative staff trained for the operation of the concession; and (iii) experience in the industry. To provide any other air transportation service in Mexico, different from domestic and regular air transportation, a permit from the SCT is required pursuant to the Mexican Aviation Law.

Concession and Permits

Through our subsidiary Volaris Opco, we hold (i) the Concession, which authorizes us to provide domestic regular passenger, cargo and mail air transportation services within Mexico, (ii) a permit for domestic charter air transportation passenger services, and (iii) a permit for international regular passenger and charter passenger air transportation services.

Our Concession was granted by the Mexican federal government through SCT, on May 9, 2005 originally for a period of five years, and was extended by SCT on February 17, 2010 for an additional period of ten years. The Concession authorizes us the use of certain aircraft and certain routes. Pursuant to the terms of the Mexican Aviation Law, our Concession, together with specific authorizations granted to us by the DGAC, allow us to provide domestic and international regular air transportation services. Pursuant to our Concession, we have to pay to the Mexican federal government certain fees arising from the services we render. The exhibits to the Concession must be updated every time a new aircraft is operated by Volaris Opco, any time new routes are added, or existing routes are modified. For more information regarding our aircraft and routes, see Item 4: “Information on the Company—Business Overview.”

The permit for domestic charter air transportation of passengers was granted by the SCT on April 16, 2007, without a termination date; it authorizes certain aircraft to operate under such permit and specifies, among other terms and conditions, that Volaris Opco is required to request authorization from the DGAC before carrying out any charter flight.

The permit for international charter air transportation of passengers was granted by the DGAC on June 3, 2009 for an unspecified period of time; it authorizes certain aircraft to operate under such permit and indicates, among other terms and conditions, that Volaris Opco is required to request authorization from the DGAC, before carrying out any charter flight.

 

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To operate our aircraft, each aircraft is required to have on board its certificate of registration, its certificate of airworthiness, and its insurance policy. All aircraft must have on board all documents and equipment required by the treaties, the Mexican Aviation Law and all applicable provisions. We believe we hold all necessary operating and airworthiness authorizations, certificates and licenses, and carry all necessary insurance policies and are operating in compliance with applicable law.

The Mexican Aviation Law provides that concessions and permits may be revoked for any of the following principal reasons: (i) failure to exercise rights conferred by the concessions or permits for a period exceeding 180 calendar days from the date that such concessions or permits were granted; (ii) failure to maintain in effect the insurance required pursuant to the Mexican Aviation Law; (iii) change of nationality of the holder of the concession or permit; (iv) assignment, mortgage, transfer or conveyance of concessions, permits or rights thereunder to any foreign government or foreign state; (v) assignment, mortgage, transfer or conveyance of concessions, permits or rights thereunder to any person without the approval of the SCT; (vi) applying fares different from the registered or approved fares, as applicable; (vii) interruption of the services without authorization from the SCT, except in the events of acts of God or force majeure; (viii) rendering services different to those set forth in the respective permit or concession; (ix) failure to comply with safety conditions; (x) failure to indemnify from damages arising from the services rendered and (xi) in general, failure to comply with any obligation or condition set forth in the Mexican Aviation Law, its regulations or the respective concession or permit. In the event our Concession was revoked, for any of the reasons specified above, we will not be entitled to any compensation and we will be unable to continue to conduct our business.

Aircraft

Pursuant to the Mexican Aviation Law and our Concession, all the aircraft used to provide our services must be registered in Mexico before the Mexican Aeronautical Registry and flagged as Mexican aircraft and, if registered in other countries, such aircraft need to be authorized to operate in Mexico. The registration with the Mexican Aeronautical Registry is granted subject to compliance with certain legal and technical requirements. All the aircraft which comprise our fleet as of this date have been authorized by and registered with the DGAC.

We have to maintain our aircraft in airworthiness condition. The maintenance must be provided as specified in the manufacturers’ maintenance manuals and pursuant to a maintenance program approved by the DGAC. The DGAC has authority to inspect our aircraft, their maintenance records and our safety procedures. Based on such inspections, the DGAC may declare our aircraft unfit to fly and in certain cases revoke our Concession.

Routes

Pursuant to the Mexican Aviation Law and our Concession, we may only provide our services on routes approved under our Concession. Any new route or change in the existing routes must be approved by the DGAC. Domestic Routes are subject to our Concession and the Mexican Aviation Law. International routes to the United States are subject to our Concession, the international routes authorization permits issued by the DGAC, the Mexican Aviation Law and the USA Mexico Bilateral Air Transport Agreement dated December 18, 2015, pursuant to which we were granted a general exemption from the DOT to allow us to operate any route into the United States. The USA Mexico Bilateral Air Transport Agreement provides a legal framework for the international routes of Mexican and U.S. carriers between the United States and Mexico and vice versa. Under the USA Mexico Bilateral Air Transport Agreement any American or Mexican carrier may request authorization to fly from any city in Mexico to the United States and vice versa.

Fares

According to the Mexican Aviation Law, concessionaries or licensees of air transportation may freely set fares for the services provided by them on terms that permit the rendering of services in satisfactory conditions of quality, competitiveness, safety and consistency. The international fares must be approved by the SCT pursuant to applicable treaties except that fares for routes to and from the United States do not require approval or registration from either the SCT or any other authority. The fares (both domestic and international) must be registered with the SCT and be permanently available to users of the services. The SCT may deny the registration of fares set by the concessionaires or licensees if such fares imply predatory or monopolistic practices, dominance in the market from a competition perspective or disloyal competition which prevents the participation in the market of other concessionaires or licensees. The SCT may also set minimum and maximum levels of fares (restricting, in that case, the ability of concessionaires and holders of licenses to freely determine rates), as applicable, for the corresponding services, to promote competition. The fares will describe clearly and explicitly the restrictions such fares are subject to and will remain valid for the time and under the conditions offered. The Mexican Aviation Law provides that in the event that the SCT considers that there is no competition among concession and permit holders, the SCT may request the opinion of the Mexican Antitrust Commission and then approve regulations governing fares that may be charged for air transportation services, thus limiting the ability of participants to freely determine rates. Such regulations will be maintained only during the existence of the conditions that resulted in the negative competition effects.

 

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Slots

Under Mexican Law, a “slot” is the schedule for the landing and taking off of aircraft. The regulation of the slots is provided by the Mexican Airport Law and its regulations. A slot is assigned to an operator by the airport administrator considering the recommendation of a committee of operations, for the organization and planning of the flights at the relevant airport. According to the regulations to the Mexican Airport Law, the operating rules of each airport in Mexico, must contain the guidelines for the assignment of slots. Therefore, the different airports’ administrations will establish in such guidelines how slots are to be assigned considering (i) the operation schedule of the airport, (ii) safety and efficiency criteria, (iii) capacity of the services providers, (iv) schedule availability, and (v) compliance with the requirements for the assignment of the slots.

Taking or Seizure

Pursuant to Mexican law and our Concession, the Mexican federal government may take or seize our assets temporarily or permanently, in the event of natural disasters, war, serious changes to public order or in the event of imminent danger to the national security, internal peace or the national economy. The Mexican federal government, in all cases, except in the event of international war, must indemnify us by paying the respective losses and damages at market value. See Item 3: “Key Information—Risk Factors—Under Mexican law, our assets could be taken or seized by the Mexican government under certain circumstances.”

Foreign Ownership

The Mexican Foreign Investment Law (Ley de Inversión Extranjera) limits foreign investment in companies rendering domestic air transportation services up to 25% of such companies’ voting stock. This limit applies to Volaris Opco, but not to us as a holding company. We, as a holding company, must remain a Mexican-investor controlled entity, as a means to control Volaris Opco. The acquisition of our Series A shares through the CPOs, that strip-out voting rights but grant any and all economic rights, by foreign investors, is deemed neutral, from a foreign investment perspective, and is not, as a result, counted as foreign investment excluded from this restriction. For a discussion of the procedures we instituted to ensure compliance with these foreign ownership rules, see Item 10: “Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Other Provisions—Foreign Investment Regulations.”

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to regulations relating to the protection of the environment such as the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection (Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente), the regulations of the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection regarding Environmental Impact, Prevention and Control of Air Pollution and of Hazardous Waste (Reglamentos en Materia de Evaluación del Impacto Ambiental, Prevención y Control de Contaminación del Aire y Desperdicios Peligrosos), the General Law for Prevention and Handling of Wastes (Ley General de Prevención y Gestión Integral de Riesgos) and the National Waters Law (Ley Nacional de Aguas) and its regulations, official Mexican standards, international treaties, bilateral agreements and specifically by an Official Rule NOM 036 SCT3 2000 which regulates the maximum limits of the aircraft noise emissions as well as the requirements to comply with such limits. Volaris Opco is ISO 14,000 certified.

Labor Regulation

We are subject to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law (Ley Federal del Trabajo) and the provisions contained in the collective bargaining agreements with Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Industria Aeronáutica, Similares y Conexos de la República Mexicana-STIAS. For more information on our relationship with such labor union and our labor collective bargaining agreements, see Item 6: “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Employees.”

U.S. and International Regulation

Operational Regulation

The airline industry is heavily regulated by the U.S. government. Two of the primary regulatory authorities overseeing air transportation in the United States are the DOT and the FAA. The DOT has jurisdiction over economic issues affecting air transportation, such as unfair or deceptive competition, advertising, baggage liability and disabled passenger transportation. The DOT has authority to issue permits required for airlines to provide air transportation. We hold a general exemption issued by the DOT that authorizes us to engage in scheduled air transportation of passengers, property and mail to and from any destination in the United States.

The FAA is responsible for regulating and overseeing matters relating to air carrier flight operations, including airline operating certificates, aircraft certification and maintenance and other matters affecting air safety. The FAA requires each commercial airline to obtain and hold an FAA air carrier certificate and to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations 129 and 145. This certificate, in combination with operations specifications issued to the airline by the FAA, authorizes the airline to operate at specific airports using aircraft approved by the FAA. As of the date of this annual report, we had FAA airworthiness certificates for 27 of our aircraft (the remainder being registered with the DGAC), we had obtained the necessary FAA authority to fly to all of the cities we currently serve and all of aircraft had been certified for over-water operations. Pilots operating and mechanics providing maintenance services on “N” or U.S.-registered aircraft require a special license issued by the FAA. We hold all necessary operating and airworthiness authorizations, certificates and licenses and are operating in compliance with applicable DOT and FAA regulations, interpretations and policies.

 

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International Regulation

Our service to the U.S. is also subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP (a law enforcement agency that is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), immigration and agriculture requirements and the requirements of equivalent foreign governmental agencies. Like other airlines flying international routes, from time to time we may be subject to civil fines and penalties imposed by CBP if un-manifested or illegal cargo, such as illegal narcotics, is found on our aircraft. These fines and penalties, which in the case of narcotics are based upon the retail value of the seizure, may be substantial. We have implemented a comprehensive security program at our airports to reduce the risk of illegal cargo being placed on our aircraft, and we seek to cooperate actively with CBP and other U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies in investigating incidents or attempts to introduce illegal cargo.

Security Regulation

The TSA was created in 2001 with the responsibility and authority to oversee the implementation, and ensure the adequacy, of security measures at airports and other transportation facilities in the United States. Since the creation of the TSA, airport security has seen significant changes including enhancement of flight deck security, the deployment of federal air marshals onboard flights, increased airport perimeter access security, increased airline crew security training, enhanced security screening of passengers, baggage, cargo and employees, training of security screening personnel, increased passenger data to CBP, background checks and restrictions on carry-on baggage. Funding for passenger security is provided in part by a per enplanement ticket tax (passenger security fee) of U.S. $2.50 per passenger flight segment, subject to a U.S. $5 per one-way trip cap. The TSA was granted authority to impose additional fees on air carriers if necessary to cover additional federal aviation security costs. Pursuant to its authority, the TSA may revise the way it assesses this fee, which could result in increased costs for passengers and/or us. We cannot forecast what additional security and safety requirements may be imposed in the future or the costs or revenue impact that would be associated with complying with such requirements. The TSA also assess an Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee, or ASIF, on each airline.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to various federal, state and local U.S. laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and affecting matters such as aircraft engine emissions, aircraft noise emissions, and the discharge or disposal of materials and chemicals, which laws and regulations are administered by numerous state and federal agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, regulates our operations in the United States, including air carrier operations, which affect the quality of air in the United States. We believe the aircraft in our fleet meet all emission standards issued by the EPA. Concern about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in additional regulation or taxation of aircraft emissions in the United States and abroad.

U.S. law recognizes the right of airport operators with special noise problems to implement local noise abatement procedures so long as those procedures do not interfere unreasonably with interstate and foreign commerce and the national air transportation system. These restrictions can include limiting nighttime operations, directing specific aircraft operational procedures during takeoff and initial climb, and limiting the overall number of flights at an airport. None of the airports we serve currently restricts the number of flights or hours of operation, although it is possible one or more of such airports may do so in the future with or without advance notice.

Other Regulations

In the U.S., we are subject to certain provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and are required to obtain an aeronautical radio license from the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. To the extent we are subject to FCC requirements, we will take all necessary steps to comply with those requirements. We are also subject to state and local laws and regulations at locations where we operate and the regulations of various local authorities that operate the airports we serve.

Future Regulations

The Mexican, U.S. and other foreign governments may consider and adopt new laws, regulations, interpretations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could directly or indirectly affect our results of operations. We cannot predict what laws, regulations, interpretations and policies might be considered in the future, nor can we judge what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on our business.

 

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B. Business Overview

Industry

There are two main categories of passenger airlines that operate in the domestic and international Mexican market: (i) the traditional legacy network carriers, which include Grupo Aeroméxico, and (ii) the low-cost carriers, which include Interjet, VivaAerobus and Volaris. The ULCC business model is a subset of the low-cost carrier market.

Legacy carriers offer scheduled flights to major domestic and international routes (directly or through membership in an alliance, such as Star Alliance, Oneworld and/or Skyteam) and serve numerous smaller cities. These carriers operate mainly through a “hub-and-spoke” network route system. This system concentrates most of an airline’s operations in a limited number of hub cities, serving other destinations in the system by providing one-stop or connecting service through hub airports to end destinations on the spokes. Such an arrangement permits travelers to fly from a given point of origin to more destinations without switching to another airline. Traditional legacy carriers typically have higher cost structures than low-cost carriers due to higher labor costs, flight crew and aircraft scheduling inefficiencies, concentration of operations in higher cost airports, and multiple classes of services. Other examples of legacy carriers in the Latin American market include Avianca, Copa, and LATAM.

Low-cost carriers typically fly direct, point-to-point flights, which tends to improve aircraft and crew scheduling efficiency. In addition, low-cost carriers often serve major markets through secondary, lower cost airports in the same regions as major population centers. Many low-cost carriers only provide a single class of service, thereby increasing the number of seats on each flight and avoiding the significant and incremental cost of offering premium-class services. Finally, low-cost carriers tend to operate fleets with only one or two aircraft families at most, in order to maximize the utilization of flight crews across the fleet, improve aircraft scheduling flexibility and minimize inventory and aircraft maintenance costs. The Mexican market, which has a large population of VFR and leisure travelers, has seen demand for these low-cost carriers expand in recent years. Low-cost carriers have made a significant emergence in the Latin American market in recent years, particularly in Brazil, where Gol, Webjet (merged with Gol in 2012), Azul, and Trip (merged with Azul in 2012) have started operations in the last ten years.

In recent years, many traditional legacy network carriers globally have undergone significant financial restructuring, including ceasing operations or merging and consolidating with one another. These restructurings have allowed legacy carriers to reduce high labor costs, restructure debt, modify or terminate pension plans and generally reduce their cost structure. This has resulted in improved workforce flexibility and reduced costs while simultaneously improving product offerings similar to those of other low-cost carriers. Furthermore, many of the legacy carriers have made these improvements while still maintaining their expansive route networks, alliances and frequent flier programs.

One result of the restructuring of the network carriers is that the difference in the cost structures, and the competitive advantage previously enjoyed by low-cost airlines, has somewhat diminished. We believe that this trend has provided an opportunity for the introduction of the ULCC business model in Mexico as a subset of the more mature group of low-cost carriers. The ULCC business model involves, among other things, intense focus on low cost, efficient asset utilization, unbundled revenue sources aside from the basic fare with multiple products and services offered for additional fees. Globally, ULCCs with highly successful business models include Allegiant and Spirit in the United States, Ryanair and Wizz in Europe, and AirAsia in Asia.

ULCCs are able to achieve low-cost operations due to highly efficient and uniform fleets with high density seating and single aisle configurations. Additionally, ULCCs provide extremely low fares to customers in order to stimulate market demand and generate high aircraft utilization rates. With high aircraft utilization rates, ULCCs are able to generate substantial ancillary revenues through the offering of additional products and services, such as baggage fees, advanced seat selection, extra legroom, ticket change fees, and/or itinerary attachments such as hotels, airport transportation, and rental cars. ULCCs focus on VFR and leisure customers as opposed to business travelers. The ULCC product appeals to the cost-conscious customer because they are offered a low base-fare and are able to choose to pay for only the additional products and services they want to receive.

Economic and Demographic Trends

We believe the Mexican airline industry has strong potential for growth, given the country’s young demographics, improving macroeconomic base and growing middle class, which will likely facilitate organic expansion of the airline sector. In addition, the national airline industry is relatively underpenetrated when compared to other countries of similar size and demographic characteristics. These elements combine at a time when the industry is under considerable attrition due in part from some of the legacy operators ceasing operations.

In terms of the macroeconomic environment, GDP growth in Mexico is expected to be 1.5% in 2017 and 2.1% in 2018 according to the Mexican Central Bank. These estimates are lower than the estimates for the United States by 81 and 41 basis points in 2017 and 2018 according to the International Monetary Fund, respectively. This projected GDP growth is expected to result in the continuing growth trend of middle-income homes, having already grown from 12.0 million in 2000 to 15.2 million in 2010, according to information derived from the Mexican Association of Market Research and Public Opinion Agencies (Asociación Mexicana de Agencias de Investigación de Mercado y Opinión Pública, A.C.) and the National Statistics and Geography Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía). As of 2015, according to the INEGI intercensal survey, approximately 36% of the Mexican

 

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population was under 20 years of age, which we believe benefits Volaris by providing a strong base of young, potential passengers in the future. This contrasts favorably with more mature aviation markets like the United States, where approximately 27% of the population is currently under 20 years of age. Additionally, the Mexican aviation market is currently underpenetrated, as evidenced by the number of trips per capita. On a global basis the World Bank estimates that there are, on average 0.47 annual trips per capita, whereas in Mexico the number is roughly a portion of that.

The Mexican low-cost airline industry competes with ground transportation alternatives, primarily long-distance bus companies. Given the limited passenger rail services in Mexico, travel by bus has traditionally been the only low-cost option for long-distance travel for a significant portion of the Mexican population. In 2016, bus companies transported over 3.0 billion passengers in Mexico, of which approximately 80 million were executive and luxury passenger segments, as measured in segments which include both long- (five hours or greater) and short-distance travel, according to the Mexican General Direction of Ground Transportation Authority. We believe that just a small shift of bus passengers to air travel would significantly increase the number of airline passengers. We believe that an increased shift in demand from bus to air travel in Mexico presents a significant opportunity as the macroeconomic environment improves and rising demographics take shape across the country. Furthermore, we believe that long-distance bus passengers will continue to shift to airplane travel when certain promotional fares are priced lower than bus fares for similar routes.

In recent years the Mexican government has made a substantial investment in developing Mexico’s airport infrastructure. In 1998, the Mexican government created a program to open Mexico’s airports to private investments. Three private airport operators (Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V., Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. and Aeropuertos del Sureste de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V.) were incorporated and granted 50-year concessions to operate airports in Mexico. In the first stage of the privatization process, the Mexican government sold a minority stake to strategic partners. The privatization process culminated in mid-2006, when the Mexican government sold the balance of its holdings to the public via initial public offerings. The Mexican government still manages and operates the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), which it considers strategic, as well as other minor airports in the country. The National Development Plan, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on May 20, 2013, describes the plans for the airline sector for the years 2013 to 2018. The plan provides for (i) investments in air transportation and airports; (ii) supervision of airlines to ensure safety, efficiency, and quality standards; (iii) the execution of new bilateral air transportation agreements in order to increase the penetration of the Mexican domestic airline industry in international markets; and (iv) the development of airport services for the metropolitan area of Mexico City, as well as regional airports. In addition, on July 15, 2013 the 2013-2018 Investment in Transportation and Communications Infrastructure Program was announced, which is a program with a multi-modal focus, that is intended to improve highways, railroads, ports, airports, and telecommunications through an investment of Ps.4.0 billion. We believe this strong foundational infrastructure, and continued investment and development will result in significant growth potential for the Mexican airline market. In September 2014, the Mexican government announced the construction of a new international airport for Mexico City to replace the current international airport, which is now operating at full capacity at most times of the day. This new international airport is expected to start operations in 2020.

Boeing estimates that the Latin American airline industry will have a higher growth rate than that of the global industry over the next 20 years, with an average passenger to economic growth ratio (RPK/GDP) of 2.0 times. As a result, a GDP growth of 2.9% in the next 20 years could imply an industry growth rate of around 33% by 2021 and over 75% by 2026.

The Mexican aviation industry has undergone a significant transformation due to the emergence of low-cost carriers, including us, Interjet and VivaAerobús, the exit of eight carriers (Aerocalifornia, Aladia, Alma, Aviacsa, Avolar, Azteca, Nova Air and Grupo Mexicana). Changes in the Mexican airline competitive environment have resulted in an important increase in the domestic market load factor for the remaining carriers. While load factor in Mexico has historically lagged more than in developed markets, this positive trend will likely drive greater profitability among the remaining airlines in Mexico. This dramatic capacity reduction and its low-fare strategy allowed Volaris to increase load factor to 85.8% in 2016.

Market Environment

The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry include fare pricing, total ticket price, flight schedules, aircraft type, passenger amenities, number of routes/destinations served from a city, customer service, safety record and reputation, code-sharing relationships, frequent flier programs and redemption opportunities. The airline industry is particularly susceptible to price discounting because once a flight is scheduled, airlines incur only nominal incremental costs to provide service to passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. The expenses of a scheduled aircraft flight do not vary significantly with the number of passengers carried, and, as a result, a relatively small change in the number of passengers or in pricing can have a disproportionate effect on an airline’s operating and financial results. Price competition occurs on a market-by-market basis through price discounts, changes in pricing structures, fare matching, targeted promotions and frequent flier initiatives. Airlines typically use discount fares and other promotions to stimulate traffic during normally slower travel periods to generate cash flow and to maximize revenue per ASM. The prevalence of discount fares can be particularly acute when an airline has excess capacity and is under financial pressure to sell tickets.

 

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In Mexico and the United States the scheduled passenger service market consists of three principal groups of travelers: business travelers, leisure travelers, and travelers visiting friends and relatives, or VFR. Leisure travelers and VFR travelers typically place most of their emphasis on lower fares, whereas business travelers typically place a high emphasis on flight frequency, scheduling flexibility, breadth of network and service enhancements, including loyalty programs and airport lounges, as well as price.

VFR and leisure passengers travel for a number of reasons, including social visits and vacation travel. We believe that VFR and leisure traffic are the most important components of the traffic in the markets we target and serve and are important contributors to our non-ticket revenue production. We believe that VFR and leisure passengers represent a significant percentage of our total passenger volume. As part of our route development strategy, we target markets that will likely appeal to VFR and leisure travels at price points that were previously not available. This strategy allows us to stimulate demand in new markets by encouraging travel by VFR and leisure travelers.

Domestic passenger volumes have grown in Mexico by a CAGR of 6.5% and international volumes have grown by a CAGR of 4.0% from 2006 to 2016 according to the DGAC. The following table sets forth the historical passenger volumes on international and domestic routes in Mexico from 2006 to 2016:

 

Passenger Volumes

(millions of segment passengers)

   2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016  

International

     27.4       27.2       27.9       24.2       25.8       26.8       28.5       30.9       33.6       37.5       40.5  

% growth (decreased)

     6.1     (0.5 %)      2.5     (13.2 %)      6.3     4.1     6.5     8.1     9.2     11.7     8.0

Domestic

     22.2       27.4       27.6       24.4       24.5       25.5       28.1       30.5       32.9       37.1       41.8  

% growth (decreased)

     11.8     23.6     0.9     (11.6 %)      0.3     3.9     10.3     8.6     8.0     12.9     12.5

Total

     49.5       54.6       55.6       48.7       50.3       52.3       56.6       61.4       66.5       74.6       82.3  

% growth (decreased)

     8.6     10.3     1.7     (12.4 %)      3.3     4.0     8.4     8.5     8.3     12.3     10.2

Source: DGAC

Our international growth strategy has focused on targeting markets in the United States with large Mexican and Mexican-American communities in order to stimulate VFR demand and leisure traffic in those markets. Approximately 68% of international passengers in Mexico fly to the United States, making the United States the largest international destination for air passengers in Mexico. All of the major U.S. legacy carriers fly to and from Mexico, but at a higher cost than low-cost carriers. We have learned that many Mexicans in the United States purchase airline tickets for family members living in Mexico to fly to the United States to visit. For this reason, we focus our international routes on U.S. cities with significant Mexican and Mexican-American communities. These cities include Chicago, Los Angeles, San Antonio and San Francisco-Oakland, with Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in each of them amounting to 1.5 million, 4.6 million, 0.9 million and 0.7 million, respectively, according to PEW Research Hispanic Center based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

In 2016, the Mexican low-cost and ULCCs (Interjet, VivaAerobus and Volaris) together maintained 63.5% of the domestic market, based on passenger flight segments, according to the DGAC. The following table sets forth the historical market shares on domestic routes, based on passenger flight segments, of each major market participant for each of the periods indicated:

 

Market Share(1)

Domestic

   2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016  

Volaris(2)

     4.04     7.94     12.16     12.82     14.79     18.05     20.48     23.15     23.31     24.76     27.50

Grupo Aeroméxico

     32.91     28.58     28.01     32.28     36.20     40.10     37.73     35.74     36.08     33.81     31.19

Grupo Mexicana(3)

     26.99     24.07     24.05     27.16     18.55     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Interjet(4)

     5.65     7.04     10.83     12.71     16.35     24.90     23.92     24.46     23.75     24.61     21.69

VivaAerobus(5)

     0.30     4.44     4.83     5.83     8.85     11.54     12.53     12.25     11.85     11.74     14.30

Source: DGAC

(1) Market share is obtained by dividing each airline’s number of passengers by the total number of passengers for all airlines for the period indicated.
(2) Began operations in March 2006.
(3) Ceased operations in August 2010.
(4) Began operations in December 2005.
(5) Began operations in November 2006.

 

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The airline industry in Mexico has recently seen sharp attrition, with the exit of eight airlines since 2007, including the bankruptcy of Grupo Mexicana in April 2014. This allowed us to further expand our international product offering in a very short timeframe.

The following table sets forth the historical market shares on international routes between Mexico, the United States and other countries, based on passenger flight segments, of key Mexican industry participants for each of the periods indicated:

 

Market Share(1)

International

   2006     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016  

Volaris(2)

     —         —         —         2.92     9.38     21.95     21.91     20.84     21.73     23.08     24.79

Grupo Aeroméxico

     31.68     34.05     31.73     31.06     39.83     74.87     66.96     64.46     65.71     61.59     56.82

Grupo Mexicana(3)

     64.56     63.85     66.08     65.36     49.94     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Interjet(4)

     —         0.10     0.28     —         —         1.56     8.95     13.68     11.31     13.67     17.86

VivaAerobus(5)

     —         —         0.85     0.43     0.84     1.60     2.18     0.68     0.93     1.55     0.40

Source: DGAC

(1) Market share is obtained by dividing each Mexican airline’s number of passengers by the total number of passengers for all Mexican airlines for the period indicated.
(2) Began operations in March 2006.
(3) Ceased operation in August 2010.
(4) Began operations in December 2005.
(5) Began operations in November 2006.

We have been able to grow our international market share substantially over the past five years even with significant competition from leading U.S. carriers including United, American, Alaska Air, and Delta. As of December 31, 2016, we were the fifth largest international carrier in terms of passenger flight segments out of all airlines flying internationally to and from Mexico. We have been able to grow our international market share substantially due to the Grupo Méxicana reorganization and our strategy to target and stimulate markets in the United States with large Mexican and Mexican-American communities.

In terms of both domestic and international ticketed passengers, our total passenger volume increased at a CAGR of 32.6% from 2006 to 2016, with approximately 0.9 million booked passengers in 2006 and 15.0 million booked passengers in 2016. We attribute the rapid growth of our business to the favorable economic environment in Mexico, our dedicated ULCC strategy targeted at VFR and leisure travelers, our strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, and our tremendous brand recognition among domestic and international travelers in Mexico and the United States.

Our Business Model

Our business model is based on that of other ULCCs operating elsewhere in the world, such as Allegiant and Spirit in the United States, Ryanair and Wizz in Europe and AirAsia in Asia. We utilize our ULCC business model and efficient operations to offer low base fares and to stimulate demand while aiming to provide high quality customer service. Our unbundled pricing strategy allows us to provide low base fares and enables our passengers to select and pay for a range of optional products and services for additional fees. We target VFR, cost-conscious business people and leisure travelers in Mexico and to select destinations in the United States.

Since May 2012, we have unbundled certain components of our air travel service as part of a strategy to enable our passengers to select and pay for the products and services they want to use. This unbundling strategy has allowed us to significantly grow our non-ticket and total revenue. We plan to continue to use low base fares to stimulate additional passenger demand, shift bus passengers to air travel and increase our load factor. We believe a small percentage shift of bus passengers to air travel would dramatically increase the number of airline passengers. Higher load factors help us generate additional non-ticket and total revenue, which in turn, allow us to further lower base fares and stimulate new demand.

We have a relentless focus on low costs as part of our organizational culture. We are the lowest cost airline carrier in Latin America, based on CASM, compared to the other Latin American publicly traded companies. We are also the lowest cost carrier in our target markets in Mexico and the United States, compared to our target market competitors, according to public information available from such competitors. We are able to keep our costs low due to our efficient and uniform fleet, high asset utilization, our emphasis on direct sales and distribution and our variable, performance-based compensation structure.

 

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We were established and are operated to achieve the following goals: (i) to create a profitable and sustainable business model; (ii) to successfully compete by creating structural advantages over other carriers serving Mexico through our ULCC business model;    (iii) to provide affordable air travel with a high quality experience for our customers; and (iv) to create a dynamic, cost conscious and entrepreneurial working culture for our employees. We believe that our strengths are:

Lowest Cost Structure. We believe that in 2016 we had the lowest cost structure of any of the other Latin American publicly traded airlines, with CASM of Ps.124.4 cents (U.S. $6.0 cents), compared to Avianca at U.S. $13.2 cents, Copa at U.S. $8.8 cents, Gol at U.S. $9.8 cents, Grupo Aeroméxico at U.S. $9.0 cents and LATAM at U.S. $10.7 cents. We also have lower costs than our U.S.-based publicly traded target market competitors, including Alaska Air at U.S. $10.4 cents, American at U.S. $12.8 cents, Delta at U.S. $13.0 cents, Jet Blue at U.S. $10.8 cents, Southwest Airlines at U.S. $11.2 cents and United at U.S. $12.7 cents in 2016, according to publicly available financial information. We achieve our low operating costs in large part due to:

 

    Efficient and Uniform Fleet. We operate a uniform and efficient fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, which is the youngest fleet in Mexico, with an average aircraft age of 4.2 years as of December 31, 2016.

 

    High Asset Utilization. Our fleet has a uniform, high density seat configuration and we had one of the highest worldwide average aircraft utilization rates of 12.80 block hours per day in 2016.

 

    Direct Sales Distribution. We encourage our customers to purchase tickets via our website, call center or airport service desks as these distribution channels are the lowest cost to us. We sell 82.4% of our tickets through these channels. We do not use global distribution system, or GDS.

 

    Variable, Performance-Based Compensation Structure. We compensate our employees on the basis of their performance, and we reward them for the contribution they make to the success of the company rather than their seniority.

Ancillary Revenue Generation. We have been able to grow our non-ticket revenue by allowing our passengers to choose what additional products and services they purchase and use. Thanks to our “Tú Decides” (“You Decide”) strategy, we have increased average non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment from approximately U.S. $6.92 in 2009 to U.S. $18.45 in 2016 by, among other things:

 

    charging for excess baggage (over the 25 kilograms of free checked luggage required by Mexican regulations on domestic flights), and starting March 1, 2017, we began charging for the first checked luggage on routes to/from the United States and Puerto Rico);

 

    utilizing our excess aircraft belly space to transport cargo;

 

    passing through all distribution-related expenses;

 

    charging for advance seat selection, extra legroom, and carriage of sports equipment;

 

    consistently enforcing ticketing policies, including change fees;

 

    generating subscription fees from our ultra-low-fare subscription service, V-Club;

 

    deriving brand-based fees from proprietary services, such as our Volaris affinity credit card program;

 

    selling itinerary attachments, such as hotel and car rental reservations and airport parking, and making available trip interruption insurance commercialized by third parties, through our website; and

 

    selling onboard advertising.

Core Focus on VFR, Cost-conscious Business People and Leisure Travelers in High Growth Markets. We primarily target VFR, cost-conscious business people and leisure travelers in Mexico and the United States. We believe these people represent the highest potential for growth in our target markets. By offering low promotional fares, we stimulate demand for VFR and leisure travel, and attract new customers, including those who previously may have only traveled by bus. We use our yield management system to set prices based on the time of booking. We regularly manage yield and load factor, including through targeted promotional fares that can be as low as Ps.699 (U.S. $34). We have found that many Mexicans and Mexican Americans living in the United States buy airline tickets for themselves and their family members in Mexico. In addition, we have over 20,000 points of payment throughout Mexico and the United States that allow travelers, particularly in Mexico, who do not have credit cards, or are reluctant to provide credit card information over the web or call center, to reserve seats using the web or call center and pay with cash the next day. Furthermore, we offer night flights, which appeal to our domestic and international customer base that seek to save on lodging expenses.

Disciplined Approach to Market and Route Selection. We select target markets and routes where we believe we can achieve profitability within a reasonable timeframe, and we only continue operating on routes where we can achieve and maintain our target level of profitability. When developing our route network, we focus on gaining market share on routes that have been underserved or are served primarily by higher cost airlines where we have a competitive cost advantage. We thereby stimulate new demand with low

 

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base fares and attempt to shift market share from incumbent operators. We have developed a profitable route network, on an annual basis based on the results of our most recently completed fiscal year, and built a leading market share in several of our markets. As of December 31, 2016, we had more than 50% passenger market share in 83 of our 159 routes. As of December 31, 2016 we faced no competition from any other carrier on 15% of our domestic seat capacity. We entered the U.S. market in July 2009 and by 2016 derived 32% of our passenger revenues from our U.S. routes and attributed 30% of our ASMs to U.S. routes.

Market Leading Efficiency and Performance. We believe we are one of the most efficient airline carriers in Latin America. In 2016, we achieved an average passenger load factor of 85.8% and an average aircraft utilization rate of 12.80 block hours per day with a standard turnaround time between flights of approximately 62 minutes. For our fleet type, our average aircraft utilization rate of 10.2 flight hours per day was among the highest worldwide and was 24% higher than the industry average of 8.3 flight hours per day for all Airbus A319 aircraft, 13% higher than the 9.0 flight hours per day for all Airbus A320 aircraft and 13% higher than the 9.0 flight hours per day for all Airbus A321 aircraft, according to information for the year ended December 31, 2016 available from Airbus. The high-density, single-class seating configurations on our aircraft allow us to increase ASMs and reduce fixed costs per seat as compared to a lower density configuration flown by certain of our competitors. In addition, we strive for market-leading operational performance, with a 75.4% on-time performance rate, 99.2% flight completion rate and a mishandled baggage rate of only 1.20 bags per 1,000 passengers in 2016.

Brand Recognition with a Fast Growing Fan Base. We believe that we have developed strong brand recognition due to our focus on delivering good value and a positive traveling experience to our customers. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 3.1 million fans on Facebook and 1.8 million followers on Twitter, both of which we primarily use for marketing, customer service and promotion. In 2014, the magazine Merca 2.0® further recognized us as the first Mexican company on Twitter. Our social media reach has been a very low cost, yet effective, marketing tool for us and has afforded us the capability to develop highly effective, targeted marketing promotions on a very short notice. We have also established various programs to make air travel more inviting for first time travelers and other passengers who may desire extra services, such as an unaccompanied senior program.

Balance Sheet Positioned for Growth. We have a low level of financial debt, since we have principally financed our operations through equity and operating cash flows and we have only used operating leases for our aircraft. We believe that our strong financial position enables us to prudently finance the emerging growth opportunities in our markets and to defend our existing network from our competitors. As of December 31, 2016, we had a balance of Ps.7.1 billion in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, representing 30.1% of the last twelve month operating revenues. As of December 31, 2016, we had financial debt of approximately Ps.2.0 billion.

Strong Company Culture, Experienced Management Team and Principal Shareholders. We have developed a strong company culture among our employees that is focused on safety, meritocracy, efficiency and profitability, with a significant component of performance-based variable compensation. Our management team has been assembled with experienced executives in their respective fields, including in the aviation, sales and marketing, finance or IT industries in Latin America. In addition, our principal shareholders have extensive prior experience in funding, establishing and leading airline carriers around the world. Their expertise has helped us develop our ULCC business model and allowed us to benefit from their procurement power and relationships with key vendors.

Our Growth Strategy

Our goal is to continue to grow profitability on an annual basis and maintain our leadership position in the Mexican aviation market by operating our ULCC business model and focusing on VFR, cost-conscious business people and leisure travelers. The key elements of our growth strategy include:

Remain the Low Cost Carrier of Choice. We believe that by deploying additional cost-efficient Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft with higher seat density, spreading our low fixed cost infrastructure over a larger scale of operations, outsourcing operating functions and keeping sales and marketing overhead low, we can continue to improve operating efficiencies while maintaining low costs. Our ULCC business model enables us to operate profitably, on an annual basis based on the results of our most recently completed fiscal year, at low fare levels, and we intend to continue to maintain low fares to stimulate demand. We also make flying easy and strive to remain the low-cost carrier of choice for our existing and new customers as we continue to focus on providing an affordable and high quality travel experience to our customers across our expanding operations in Mexico, the United States and Central America.

Grow Non-ticket Revenue while Maintaining Low Base Fare to Stimulate Demand. We intend to increase our non-ticket revenues by further unbundling our fare structure and by offering our passengers new and innovative products and services. Through our multiple points of interaction with our customers during each stage of their travel, from ticket purchase through flight and post- trip, we have the opportunity to offer third party products, such as hotel rooms, car rentals and trip interruption insurance, on which we receive commissions. In addition, we sell in-flight products and we plan to introduce and expand upon products and services that are unrelated to passenger travel. In June 2012, we started a membership based ultra-low-fare subscription service called V-Club which had approximately 421,000 members as of December 31, 2016. We intend to generate additional fees from proprietary brand-based services such as the Volaris affinity card which was introduced in January 2013. We also continue to expand the cargo transportation services we provide on our aircraft. As we broaden our ancillary products and services and increase our non-ticket revenue, we believe that we will be able to further lower base fares and continue to stimulate demand.

 

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Gain Additional Market Share by Stimulating Demand in our Existing Markets. We plan to continue to grow our existing markets by adding routes that connect cities in which we currently have operations and by adding capacity on existing routes where we believe we can continue to stimulate demand. We also intend to continue to aggressively target long-distance bus passengers who we believe may shift to air travel. We set certain promotional fares at prices lower than bus fares for similar routes, and we believe this will encourage bus travelers to switch to air travel.

Continue our Disciplined Fleet Growth. As of the date of this report, we have firm commitments for 45 Airbus A320 family aircraft equipped with sharklet technology that will be delivered over the next four years, including 39 of the next generation Airbus A320 NEO and six of the next generation Airbus A321 NEO, the delivery of which commenced in 2016 and will commence in 2017, respectively. We have obtained committed financing for the pre-delivery payments for the deliveries through 2020. During 2016, we incorporated 17 aircraft into our fleet (eight A320 CEOs and eight A321 CEOs as well as our first A320 NEO). Our fleet reached 68 aircraft as of the date of this annual report. Consistent with our ULCC model, our new Airbus A320 aircraft offers 19% more passenger seats than Interjet, one of our competitors that offers 150 passenger seats per Airbus A320 aircraft. We believe that a disciplined ramp-up in young and efficient aircraft as our market share expands reduces our exposure to market conditions. We intend to maintain our commitment to a common fleet type because we believe it is the most efficient option for our markets and operations.

Grow Passenger Volume by Profitably Establishing New Routes. We believe our focus on low fares and customer service will stimulate growth in overpriced, underserved and inefficient new markets. We will continue our disciplined approach to domestic and international market entry by using our rigorous selection process where we identify and survey possible target markets that have the potential to be profitable within our business model. For example, in 2016, we added the following 20 new routes: one domestic route from Cancun, one domestic and three international routes from Guadalajara, three domestic and one international routes from Mexico City, one domestic route from Tijuana, five domestic and four international routes from other cities within Mexico, as well as our first route from our Central American subsidiary. As part of our continuous monitoring of routes and markets for profitability, we have a proven track record of withdrawing routes that do not meet our profitability expectations. For our future growth opportunities, we have identified approximately 110 routes within Mexico serving markets in excess of 250,000 inhabitants and other leisure destinations, and that have stage lengths of at least 170 miles, and approximately 135 routes internationally that have stage lengths of at least 200 miles. Additionally, our operating subsidiary in Costa Rica, Vuela Aviación, S.A., began operations on December 1, 2016. We seek to replicate our ultra-low cost model in Central America by offering low base fares and point-to-point service in the region.

Our Operations

Passenger Revenue

Passenger revenues accounted for approximately Ps.17.8 billion, or 76% of our total operating revenues in 2016. VFR traffic makes up the largest component of our customers, and we believe our VFR customers are the most cost-conscious and time/schedule flexible of all of our travelers. Our VFR market tends to complement our leisure-driven market from both a seasonal and week-day perspective. VFR traffic is strongest during the summer, Christmas and New Year season, followed by Easter. Leisure traffic makes up the second largest component of our customers. This segment responds well to demand stimulation based on low fares. Leisure traffic tends to coincide with holidays, school schedules and cultural events with peaks in July and August and again in December and January. Cost-conscious business people make up the third largest component of our customers. Although business travel can be cyclical with the economy, this segment tends to travel steadily throughout the year regardless of the season. We do not operate a frequent flier program.

Non-Ticket Revenue

Our most significant non-ticket revenues include revenues generated from (i) air travel-related services, (ii) non-air-travel related services, and (iii) cargo services. In 2016, we derived approximately Ps.5.7 billion, or 24% of our total operating revenues from non-ticket revenue.

Air travel-related services include, but are not limited to, fees charged for excess baggage, bookings through our call center or third-party agencies, advanced seat selection, itinerary changes, charters and passenger charges for no-show tickets. They are recognized as revenue when the related service is provided.

Non-air-travel-related services include commissions charged to third parties for the sale of hotel rooms, trip insurance and rental cars. They are recognized as revenue at the time the service is provided. Additionally, services not directly related to air transportation include Volaris’ sale of VClub membership and the sale of advertising spaces to third parties. VClub membership fees are recognized as revenues over the life of the membership. Revenue from the sale of advertising spaces is recognized over the period in which the space is provided.

 

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Revenues from cargo services are recognized when the cargo transportation is provided (upon delivery of the cargo to the destination).

The typical fees for advance seat selection, extra legroom, carriage of sports equipment, pets and ticket changes are approximately U.S. $9.99 to U.S. $16.99, U.S. $15.99 to U.S. $17.99, U.S. $63.99 to U.S. $100, U.S. $89.99 to U.S. $100 and U.S. $73.99 to U.S. $100.99, respectively and we generate such fees in Mexico, the United States and Central America. We also make available trip insurance commercialized by third parties through our website.

We generate fees from our subscription service V-Club by charging an individual annual membership of U.S. $49.99 or a group annual membership of U.S. $149.99. V-Club subscriptions accounted for approximately 1.9% of our non-ticket revenues in 2016. Members of the V-Club have exclusive access to the lowest fares and promotions through our website. We also generate revenues from our affinity credit card from multiple revenue streams including electronic credit redemptions earned through credit card purchases. Revenue from the Volaris affinity credit card accounted for approximately 2.4% of our non-ticket revenues as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 421,000 V-Club members and 177,000 affinity credit card holders.

We make efficient use of extra capacity in our aircraft by carrying cargo on our passenger flights. We offer cargo transportation services on all domestic routes. We outsourced all ground cargo handling services, including storage, to several third-party providers and the related cost of such services are paid by our cargo clients. We offer competitive rates and our service includes reception, check-in, shipping and delivery to the final destination.

We also offer charter services, which do not represent a significant part of our total operating revenues.

Route Network

We currently serve 68 cities throughout Mexico, the United States and Central America and operate up to 302 daily segments on routes that connect 40 cities in Mexico, including highly demanded destinations such as Cancún, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey and Tijuana, and 28 cities in the United States and Central America, including: Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fresno, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New York, Oakland, Ontario, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Reno, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose, CA, Seattle, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Jose (Costa Rica), Managua (Nicaragua), Guatemala City (Guatemala) and San Salvador (El Salvador). Our route network is designed to provide service within Mexico and between Mexico and cities in the United States with large Mexican and Mexican American communities, primarily in California. Additionally, our operating subsidiary in Costa Rica, Vuela Aviación, S.A., began operations on December 1, 2016. Vuela Aviación, S.A. currently serves 4 cities throughout Central America and operates 4 daily segments on routes that connect Central America.

As part of our point-to-point strategy and route network, we generally offer direct flights between cities with high traffic volumes. We believe this model of scheduling allows us to more frequently serve a greater number of cities and to generate higher load factors, enabling us to increase aircraft utilization and providing us with greater flexibility in our scheduling options.

We schedule a morning bank and an evening bank of flights, with flights timed to arrive at each destination and depart a short time later in order to minimize turnaround times. Many of our evening flights are intended to provide red-eye travel for the longer routes we cover and to appeal to customers who want to save on lodging expenses. Our day flights allow us to maximize our fleet utilization and utilize the employees at our airports efficiently.

 

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The map below sets forth the destinations we currently serve.

 

LOGO

Sales, Distribution, Marketing and Advertising

Sales and Distribution. We currently sell our product through four primary distribution channels: our website, our mobile app, our call center, airports and third parties such as travel agents. We use our website, www.volaris.com (the contents of which are not a part of, and are not incorporated by reference into, this Annual report), as the primary platform for ticket sales. After our website and mobile app, our distribution sources are our outsourced call center, third-party travel agents and airport counter sales. The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of our ticket sales in 2016 per distribution source and applicable fees:

 

Distribution Source

   % of tickets Sold in 2016     Fee in pesos(1)  

Website and mobile app

     62.5     —    

Call center

     14.6     —    

Third-party travel agents

     17.6     119  

Airport counters

     5.3     —    

Source: Volaris

 

(1) Standard fee charged per customer.

 

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Sales through our website and mobile app represent our lowest cost distribution channel, and it is the channel through which we offer our lowest fares. For all other channels, we pass the additional costs associated with them through to our customers.

Our passengers may pay for their tickets at the time of booking on our website or through our call center by credit or debit card, or within 24 hours in cash at one of the various points of payment, located at several different businesses vendors we have made available. Approximately 89% of our sales are paid by credit and debit card and 11% by cash and other forms of payment. We have entered into agreements with Telecomunicaciones de México, Cadena Comercial OXXO, S.A. de C.V., and certain banks to provide our customers with the possibility to pay in cash for their tickets at over 20,000 points of payment. These agreements are generally entered into for one- or two-year periods, are subject to termination upon short notice and are renewable by mutual agreement. In 2016, we expensed an aggregate of Ps.669.5 million in commissions, a portion of the cost of which was transferred to the customers using this service.

We have entered into an agreement with One Link, S.A. de C.V., or One Link, to outsource our call center. Pursuant to this agreement, One Link receives calls from our customers to book flights and provides our customers with information about our fares, schedules and availability. One Link also makes calls to our customers at our request and provides us with reports. As with our online bookings, purchases through our call center can be paid for at the time of booking by credit or debit card, or within 24 hours in cash at one of our points of payment. The agreement with One Link expires in March 2018.

We have signed agreements with Navitaire LLC and Jeppessen Systems AB, major suppliers of IT solutions in the global airline industry. Through these agreements we are provided with technology systems that allow us to conduct our operations.

Pursuant to our agreement with Navitaire LLC, Navitaire LLC provides us with hosted reservation services, including reservations, revenue accounting, and operations management and recovery, as well as certain services related thereto. This agreement has an initial term of ten years and certain additional renewal periods, unless it is terminated with prior notice subject to certain conditions.

The foregoing description of the terms of the agreement with Navitaire LLC is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy filed as an exhibit to this annual report.

Marketing and Advertising. Our marketing and advertising activities include the use of the Internet, television, radio and billboards. We focus on direct consumer marketing for our markets, by offering promotional fares and maintaining a strong presence in digital media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and YouTube. As of December 31, 2016, we had approximately 3.1 million fans on Facebook and 1.8 million followers on Twitter, which we primarily use for marketing and promotion.

We directly reach our customers by holding promotional events that build brand recognition, such as concerts on our aircraft and on-board runway shows of new crew uniforms. We also advertise on billboards and in venues that our core consumers frequently attend, including concerts, school campuses, and bus stations, among others. We have Internet promotions directed at current customers, who can register on our website. In addition, we send emails with promotions and advertisement to approximately 2.5 million e-mail addresses on a weekly basis. We also have special promotions like “your name on a plane,” where we place the first name of the winning customer on the fuselage of an aircraft for a one year period. We strive to have the highest marketing impact at the lowest cost.

In June 2012, we started a membership based ultra-low-fare subscription service called V-Club which had approximately 421,000 members as of December 31, 2016. The V-Club is an annual subscription based service that allows members exclusive access to the lowest fares on offer and discounted baggage fees. V-Club members pay a small annual fee for first access to offerings of low fares. The membership provides benefits such as guaranteed exclusive, member-only fare sales (at least once every six weeks) and private offers on hotels, rental cars and other travel necessities.

In January 2013, we launched the Volaris affinity credit card program. This credit card provides holders with cash back on Volaris-related purchases, grants priority boarding and ten extra kilograms of luggage on our flights, and access to the Visa lounge in Mexico City’s international airport. We receive a fee from all purchases made with the card.

Pricing and Yield Management

Our emphasis on keeping our operating costs low has allowed us to set low base fares and ancillary revenues while achieving and increasing profitability. We have designed our fare structure to balance our load factors and yields in a way that we believe will generate the highest revenue per block hour on our flights. Most of our seats are sold in the low and mid fare ranges. With the exception of special offers and promotions, we do not have advance purchase restrictions, minimum stays or any other fare restrictions, such as required Saturday night stays. For some of our flights, we set very low discounted base fares based upon the fares charged by bus lines for travel to the same destinations in order to increase our customer base by adding customers who have previously used other forms of transportation.

 

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We have one single base fare type which is a basic, “unbundled fare” that includes 25 kilograms of checked luggage on domestic flights and just a small carry-on and one personal item on board the cabin. Starting March 1, 2017, we began charging for the first checked luggage on routes to and from the United States and Puerto Rico. Our fares are non-refundable and passengers changing their travel plans on our flights are subject to flight alteration fees. In addition to our base fare, customers can choose a variety of additional products and services to customize their travel experience. These include options of pre-selecting a higher baggage allowance and an on-time performance guarantee, as well as purchasing food, beverages and other products on board. Additional products and services can be purchased at different points in time, including at the time of purchase, before the flight and at the airport. We increase the prices of these products and services the closer the customer purchases them to the departure date.

We use yield management in an effort to maximize revenues per flight, which is also linked to our route and schedule planning and our sales and distribution methods. Yield management is an integrated set of business procedures and mathematical models that provide us with the ability to understand markets, anticipate customer behavior and respond quickly to opportunities. The number of seats we offer at each fare class in each market is based on a continuous process of analysis and forecasting. Past booking history, seasonality, the effects of competition and current booking trends are used to forecast demand. Current fares and knowledge of upcoming events at destinations we serve that we believe will affect traffic volumes are also included in our forecasting model to arrive at an optimal seat allocation for our fares on specific routes. We use a combination of approaches, taking into account yields and flight load factors, depending on the characteristics of the markets served, to design a strategy to achieve the best possible TRASM by balancing the average fare charged and ancillary services sold against the corresponding effect on our load factors.

Customer Service

We are committed to providing our customers with value for their money and on-time and reliable performance. We believe that our low fares initially attract customers and that our exceptional service strengthens customer loyalty and enhances our brand recognition through word-of-mouth as our customers tell others about their experience.

We hire employees who we believe will treat customers in a courteous and friendly manner, and emphasize customer service during their training and as a general part of our company culture. We call our employees ambassadors. We also focus on other details that can improve the travel experience, including on-line check-in and seat assignment options, e-ticket travel, single-class seating, modern aircraft interiors and discounted shuttle services between certain airports and drop-off zones on certain routes. We provide personalized in-cabin support for customers who need it and the option of special assistance for unaccompanied minors and seniors. We believe our customer relationship management has been a key element of our success.

We are committed to compensating our employees on the basis of their performance, rewarding them for the contribution that they make to our success instead of seniority. We base part of our employee compensation on customer service, which is measured through a net promoter score obtained from customer interviews. We currently conduct approximately 9,300 monthly Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys; as we expand our operations, this number will likely increase.

We understand that efficient and punctual operations are important to our customers, and we intend to continue to excel in operational performance. The following table sets forth certain performance-related customer service measures for the years ended 2014, 2015 and 2016:

 

     2014     2015     2016  

On-time performance(1)

     86.4     81.2     75.4

Completion factor(2)

     99.5     99.8     99.2

Mishandled baggage(3)

     1.26       1.13       1.20  

Source: Volaris

 

(1) Percentage of our scheduled flights that were operated by us and that arrived on time (within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time).
(2) Percentage of our scheduled flights that were operated by us, whether or not delayed (i.e., not cancelled).
(3) Our incidence of delayed, mishandled or lost baggage per 1,000 passengers.

Competition

The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are fare pricing, total price (including ancillary services), flight schedules, aircraft type, passenger amenities, number of routes served from a city, customer service, safety record and reputation, code sharing relationships, and frequent flier programs and redemption opportunities. Our current and potential competitors include traditional network airlines, low-cost carriers, regional airlines and new entrant airlines. We typically compete in markets served by legacy carriers and other low-cost carriers, and, to a lesser extent, regional airlines. Some of our current or future competitors may have greater liquidity and access to capital, and serve more routes than we do.

 

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Our principal competitive advantages are our low base fares and our focus on VFR travelers, leisure travelers and cost-conscious business people. These low base fares are facilitated by our low CASM, which is the lowest among the other Latin American publicly traded airlines. In 2016, our CASM was Ps.124.4 cents (U.S. $6.0 cents), compared to an average CASM of U.S. $10.5 cents for the other Latin American publicly traded airlines. We also have lower costs than our U.S.-based publicly traded target market competitors, including Alaska Air, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United, which had an average CASM of U.S. $12.4 cents in 2016.

Our principal competitors in Mexico are Grupo Aeroméxico, Interjet and VivaAerobus. Internationally, we compete with Grupo Aeroméxico and many U.S.-based carriers, including Alaska Air, American, Delta and United.

Fleet

Since we began operations in March 2006, we have increased our fleet from four to 69 aircraft as of December 31, 2016.

As of December 31, 2016 we flew only Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, which provides us with significant operational and cost advantages compared to airlines that operate multiple fleet types. The Airbus A320 family is based on a common aircraft type with the same cabin cross-section, and virtually the same systems, cockpit controls, operating and maintenance procedures, and pilot type rating. The Airbus A320 family aircraft are fuel efficient and allow flight crews to be interchangeable across all of our aircraft while decreasing training, maintenance, spare parts inventory and other operational costs. Due to the commonality among the Airbus A320 family, we can retain the benefits of a fleet comprised of a single type of aircraft while still having the flexibility to match the capacity and range of the aircraft to the demands of each of our routes.

As of December 31, 2016, our fleet of 69 Airbus narrow-body aircraft consisted of 15 Airbus A319s, 44 A320s (one of them is NEO) and ten A321s. We have a young fleet with the average age of our fleet being 4.2 years as of December 31, 2016, as compared to an average of 8.6 years for the other Mexican airlines according to the DGAC. A young fleet leads to better reliability in terms of the performance of our aircraft, greater fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

Consistent with our ULCC business model, each of our aircraft is configured with a single-class high density seating configuration. Our Airbus A319s accommodate 138 or 144 passengers, our Airbus A320s accommodate 174 or 179 or 180 or 186 passengers and our Airbus A321s accommodate 220 or 230 passengers. Each of our Airbus A320 family aircraft is equipped with IAE or P&W engines. We have taken delivery of 13 spare engines (11 leased and two owned) for service replacement and for periodic rotation through our fleet.

The following table shows the historical development of our fleet from the start of our operations in March 2006 through December 31, 2016:

 

     2006      2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2012      2013     2014     2015      2016  

Fleet additions (Returns)

                              

A319

     6        8        5        —          5        —          —          (4     (2     —          (3

A320

     —          —          2        —          —          8        7        7       8       4        8  

A321

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —         —         2        8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fleet

     6        14        21        21        26        34        41        44       50       56        69  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows the development of our fleet from 2017 to 2020 pursuant to our current contracts:

 

     2017E     2018E     2019E     2020E  

Fleet additions (Returns)

        

A319

     (3     (7     (2     (1

A320(1)

     7       10       8       11  

A321(1)

     2       4       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fleet

     75       82       88       98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Pursuant to new aircraft lease agreements executed on February 13, 2014 with a leasing company, we will add 16 new A320/A321NEO family aircraft to our fleet. These aircraft lease agreements require us to accept delivery of ten A320NEO aircraft (one delivered in 2016, five in 2017 and four in 2018) and six A321NEO aircraft (two in 2017 and four in 2018).

 

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We have financed the acquisition of our aircraft through a combination of pre-delivery payment financing (including the revolving line of credit with Banco Santander México and Bancomext under which we act as a guarantor), purchase and leaseback transactions and direct lease agreements, all of which meet the conditions for consideration as operating leases. With respect to purchase and leaseback transactions, we have entered into agreements to purchase aircraft from Airbus which are sold to lessors and are simultaneously leased back through leaseback agreements. We have obtained committed financing for the pre-delivery payments in respect of all the aircraft to be delivered through 2020.

As of December 31, 2016, we had 69 aircraft leased pursuant to long-term lease agreements for an average term of 10.5 years each. The operating leases for these aircraft expire between 2017 and 2032. We make monthly rent payments and are not required to make termination payments at the end of the lease unless there is an event of default or total loss of the aircraft. Our aircraft leases provide for fixed rent payments except for two, which provide for variable rent payments which fluctuate based on changes in LIBOR. We are required to make certain non-refundable monthly maintenance payments and to return the aircraft in the agreed upon condition at the end of the lease term. We are responsible for the maintenance, servicing, insurance, repair and overhaul of the aircraft during the term of the lease.

The purchase agreement with Airbus requires us to accept delivery of 30 Airbus A320 family aircraft in the next four years (from April 2017 to December 2020). The agreement provides for the addition of 30 A320 NEOs to our fleet as follows: two in 2017, six in 2018, ten in 2019, and 12 in 2020. The basic price for each of the firm-order aircraft to be delivered pursuant to our contracts may be adjusted for changes in economic conditions as published by the United States Department of Labor. We must make pre-delivery payments at specific dates prior to the scheduled delivery. Although the purchase agreement with Airbus does not include the option to have fewer aircraft delivered, we cannot guarantee that our fleet will increase as indicated in the table above.

On February 13, 2014, we executed a lease agreement with a leasing company for the lease of ten Airbus A320NEO (one which was delivered in September 2016) and six Airbus A321NEO that will be delivered between 2017 and 2018. We have decided to move to a bigger gauge aircraft by leasing delivery of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft instead of Airbus A319 aircraft, in order to support our growth strategy. During 2015, we executed lease agreements with different leasing companies for the lease of eight Airbus A321 CEO aircraft which were delivered during 2016.

We have 15 scheduled A319 aircraft returns in the next five years: three in 2017, seven in 2018, two in 2019, one in 2020 and two in 2021, as well as three A320 aircraft returns in the next five years: two in 2019 and one in 2020. However if necessary, we believe we can negotiate extensions under our lease agreements as we have done in the past, which increases our fleet flexibility. In addition, we have been able to lease aircraft from lessors and have the flexibility to do so again in the future. For certain risks related to our lease agreements, see Item 3: “Key Information—Risk Factors—A failure to comply with covenants contained in our aircraft or engine lease agreements, or the occurrence of an event of default thereunder, could have a negative impact on us and our financial condition and results of operations.”

On August 16, 2013 we selected IAE engines for our 14 classic A320 CEO aircraft and P&W engines for our 30 A320 NEO aircraft.

Maintenance

We have a DGAC and FAA mandated and approved maintenance program administered by our maintenance engineering department. Our maintenance technicians undergo extensive initial and ongoing training to ensure the safety of our aircraft. Maintenance is performed by our qualified technicians, some of whom are FAA-certified and by maintenance providers which hold the necessary certifications.

Aircraft maintenance and repair consists of routine and non-routine maintenance, and the work performed is divided into three general categories: line maintenance, major maintenance and component service. Line maintenance consists of routine daily and weekly scheduled maintenance checks on our aircraft, including pre-flight, daily, weekly and overnight checks, any diagnostics and routine repairs and any unscheduled items on an as needed basis. Line maintenance events are currently serviced by in-house mechanics and supplemented by contract labor and are primarily completed at the airports we currently serve. Line maintenance also includes scheduled tasks that can take from seven to 14 days to complete and are typically required approximately every 22 months.

Heavy airframe maintenance checks consist of a series of more complex tasks that can take from one to four weeks to complete. Heavy engine maintenance is performed approximately every five to six years and includes a more complex work scope. Due to our relatively small fleet size and projected fleet growth, we believe outsourcing all of our major maintenance, such as engine servicing and major part repairs, is more efficient. We have entered into a long-term flight hour agreement with IAE and P&W for our engine overhaul services and Lufthansa Technik AG on a power-by-hour basis for component services. We contract with Lufthansa Technik AG for certain technical services and Aeroman for our heavy airframe maintenance. Aeroman is an FAA-approved maintenance provider, has been named the number one maintenance facility by Airbus, has been awarded the FAA’s Corporate Diamond Certificate of Excellence and airlines like Jet Blue and Southwest Airlines also outsource their maintenance requirements to Aeroman.

Our recent maintenance expenses have been lower than what we expect to incur in the future because of the relatively young age of our aircraft fleet. Our maintenance costs are expected to increase as the frequency of repair increases with our aircraft’s age. As our aircraft age, scheduled scope work and frequency of unscheduled maintenance events are likely to increase as with any mature fleet.

 

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Safety

We are committed to the safety and security of our passengers and employees. Some of the safety and security measures we have taken include (i) aircraft security and surveillance, (ii) positive bag matching procedures, (iii) enhanced passenger and baggage screening and search procedures, and (iv) secured cockpit doors. We strive to comply with or exceed health and safety regulation standards. In pursuing these goals, we maintain an active aviation safety program and all of our personnel are expected to participate in the program and take an active role in the identification, reduction and elimination of hazards.

Our ongoing focus on safety relies on training our employees to use the proper safety equipment and take the proper safety measures by providing them with the tools and equipment they require to perform their job functions in a safe and efficient manner. Safety in the workplace targets several areas of our operation including flight operations, maintenance, in-flight, dispatch and station operations. We have received the IOSA (IATA’s Operational Safety Audit) certification.

The TSA is charged with aviation security for both airlines and airports in the United States. We maintain active, open lines of communication with the TSA at all of our locations to ensure proper standards for the security of our personnel, customers, equipment and facilities are exercised throughout our operation. In Mexico, the Mexican Civil Aeronautic Authority through the Assistant General Aviation Authority (Dirección General Adjunta de Aviación) is in charge of air traffic safety and has the authority to establish or modify the operations condition of air traffic and to coordinate and control the airports. See Item 4: “Information of the Company—History and Development of the Company.”

Fuel

Fuel is a major cost component for airlines and is our largest operating expense. Fuel accounted for 39%, 30% and 28% of our total operating costs in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. We purchase fuel from ASA which also supplies fuel and fills our aircraft tanks in Mexico. Under our agreement with ASA, the price of fuel is determined by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público) and this agreement may be terminated by either party upon short notice. In the United States we have entered into fuel supply agreements with suppliers such as WFS, BP Products North America, Chevron and Associated Energy Group pursuant to which these suppliers or their affiliates sell fuel to us at various airports as specified in the agreements. See Item 3: “Key Information—Risk Factors—We rely on a number of single suppliers for our fuel, aircraft and engines.”

Historically, the fuel costs experienced substantial variances, which cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty since it is subject to many global and geopolitical factors. Fuel prices are dependent on crude oil prices, which are quoted in U.S. dollars. If the value of the U.S. dollar rises against the peso, our fuel costs, expressed in pesos, may increase even absent any increase in the U.S. dollar price of crude oil. Our fuel hedging policy is to enter into fuel derivative contracts to hedge against changes in fuel prices up to 18 months forward subject to certain financing controls. See Item 3: “Key Information—Risk Factors—Our fuel hedging strategy may not reduce our fuel costs.”

Insurance

We maintain insurance policies we believe are of the types customary in the airline industry and as required by the Mexican and U.S. aviation authorities. In connection with our operations, we carry insurance coverage against loss and damages, including war and terrorist risks, for our entire fleet of aircraft, spares and equipment. We carry passenger and third-party liability insurance coverage at levels that we believe are adequate and consistent with general industry standards. We also hold non-aviation insurance coverage that includes directors’ and officers’ liability, vehicles value and liability and life and major medical expenses insurance for our employees.

Social Responsibility

We are committed to social responsibility and sustainable development through the generation of economic, social and environmental value throughout all our operations. We have initiatives that include fundraising, the transportation of organs and tissues for transplants, volunteering, the donation of airplane tickets and toys to nonprofit organizations, activities to help people affected by natural disasters and buying carbon bonds to neutralize our environmental footprint, among others. We also have the Vfundación membership which allows Mexican nonprofit organizations to acquire airline tickets at a 30% discount, allowing them to reduce their operating costs. Additionally, we are part of the Sustainable IPC of the Mexican Stock Exchange. We also maintain several certifications that endorse us as a sustainable company: socially responsible company certification, model for gender equity certification and environmental management systems and quality certification (ISO 14001 and ISO 9001), as well as being a top member in the implementation of The Code (ECPAT), to end child prostitution, pornography and trafficking of children and teenagers.

 

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C. Organizational Structure

The following is an organizational chart showing Volaris and its subsidiaries as well as Volaris’ ownership and voting percentage in each as of the date of this annual report:

 

LOGO

Volaris Opco is our airline operating subsidiary. Comercializadora is our operating subsidiary that is primarily engaged in marketing, advertising and other commercial matters. Servicios Corporativos and Servicios Administrativos employ our employees. Operaciones performs purchase and sales of assets and services. These subsidiaries are incorporated in Mexico. Vuela is our operating subsidiary in Guatemala and Servicios Earhart employs some of our employees in Guatemala. Both Vuela and Servicos Earhart are incorporated in Guatemala. Vuela Aviación is our operating subsidiary in Costa Rica and is incorporated there. See Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report for a complete list of our subsidiaries, their country of operation and our percentage and voting ownership in each.

Additionally, under IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, we exercise control over other trusts as described below.

 

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  Pre-delivery payments financing trusts: We have assigned our rights and obligations under our purchase agreement with Airbus, including our guaranteed obligation to make pre-delivery payments under such agreement to certain Mexican trusts for purposes of financing such pre-delivery payments. These trusts are as follows:

 

Name

  

Principal Activities

   Country    % Equity interest  
         2016     2015  

Deutsche Bank México, S.A., Trust 1710

  

Pre-delivery payments financing

   Mexico      100.00     100.00

Deutsche Bank México, S.A., Trust 1711

  

Pre-delivery payments financing

   Mexico      100.00     100.00

 

  Share-based payment trusts: We have formed the following share-based payment trusts:

Management incentive plan: In December 2012, our shareholders approved a share incentive plan for the benefit of certain executive officers. Under this plan, designated officers generally may receive up to 3.0% of our capital stock on a fully diluted basis immediately prior to the completion of the related performance condition (consummation of our initial public offering or change of control), exercisable after such performance condition and for a period of ten years. To implement the plan, our shareholders approved (i) the issuance of an aggregate of 25,164,126 Series A and Series B shares, representing 3.0% of our capital stock, (ii) the transfer of such shares to the Management Trust number F/307750 (the “Management Trust”) for the benefit of certain officers and (iii) the execution of share sales agreements setting forth the terms and conditions upon which the officers will receive purchased shares from the trustee of the Management Trust. On December 24, 2012, the Management Trust was created and the share sales agreements were executed. On December 27, 2012, the trust acquired the aforementioned shares. The shares will accrue any dividends paid by us during the time elapsing prior to the delivery to officers upon payment therefore.

On September 18, 2013, our Initial Public Offering Date, the key employees participating in the management incentive plan exercised 4,891,410 Series A and Series B shares. The key employees paid Ps.25.9 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the Management Trust.

On November 16, 2015, as part of our secondary follow-on equity offering, the key employees exercised 4,414,860 Series A shares. The key employees paid Ps.23.5 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares.

During 2016, the key employees exercised 3,299,999 Series A shares. The key employees paid Ps.17.5 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the Management Trust. See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Long-term Incentive Plans—Management Incentive Plan.”

Management incentive plan II: On February 19, 2016, our board of directors authorized an extension of the management incentive plan for certain key executives (“MIP II”). Such extension was modified and approved November 6, 2016. Under MIP II, 13,536,960 share appreciation rights of our Series A shares were granted to be settled annually in cash in a period of five years in accordance with the established service conditions. In addition, a five-year extension to the period in which the executives can exercise the MIP II once the SARs are vested was also approved. During the year ended December 31, 2016, our recorded expenses related for this plan totaled Ps.54.4 million.

Share purchase plan (equity-settled): On November 6, 2014, we approved an amendment to our long-term retention plan for the benefit of certain key executives, based on the recommendations of our board of directors at its meetings held on July 24 and August 29, 2014. In connection therewith, in November 2014, we established a share purchase plan pursuant to which certain of our key executives were granted a special bonus equal to a fair value of Ps.10.8 million to be used to purchase our shares. An irrevocable administrative trust number F/745291 was created by Servicios Corporativos, as trustee, to administer this plan.

In April and October 2016, our board of directors authorized extensions to this plan. The total costs of the plan extensions approved were Ps.14.5 million and Ps.11.6 million, respectively, to be used to purchase our shares.

An irrevocable administrative trust was created by Servicios Corporativos, as trustee, to administer this plan. See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Long-term Incentive Plans—Share Purchase Plan.”

During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, certain of these key employees left the Company. Therefore; the vesting conditions were not fulfilled. In accordance with the plan, Servicios Corporativos is entitled to receive the proceeds of the sale of such shares.

 

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D. Property, Plants and Equipment

We lease all of our facilities at each of the airports we serve. Our leases for our terminal passenger service facilities, which include ticket counter and gate space, operations support area and baggage service offices, generally have terms ranging from one to three years and contain provisions for periodic adjustments of lease rates. We expect to either renew these leases or find alternative space that would permit us to continue providing our services. We also are responsible for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services. We have also entered into use agreements at each of the airports we serve that provide for the non-exclusive use of runways, taxiways and other facilities. Landing fees under these agreements are based on the number of landings and weight of the aircraft.

Our primary corporate offices and headquarters are located in Mexico City at Av. Antonio Dovalí Jaime No.70, 13th Floor, Tower B, Colonia Zedec Santa Fe, México City, zip code 01210, where we lease 6,656 square meters under a lease that expires in May 2022. We also lease a 1,500 square-meter warehouse for storage, located in Toluca within the airport area, under a lease that expires in August 2018. In addition, we sublease a hangar facility at the Tijuana airport, such sublease expires on July 15, 2017.

 

ITEM 4A UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

A. Operating Results

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report, particularly in “Risk Factors.”

Description of Our Principal Line Items

Operating Revenues

Passenger Revenue. We derive our operating revenues primarily from transporting passengers on our aircraft. Approximately 76% of our total operating revenues were derived from passenger fares in 2016. Passenger revenues are based upon our capacity, load factor and the average ticket revenue per booked passenger. Our capacity is measured in terms of ASMs, which represents the number of seats we make available on our aircraft multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown. Load factor, or the percentage of our capacity that is actually used by paying customers, is calculated by dividing RPMs by ASMs. The average ticket revenue per booked passenger represents the total passenger revenue divided by booked passengers.

Non-ticket Revenue. We derived approximately 24% of our total operating revenues in 2016 from non-ticket revenue. The most significant non-ticket revenues include revenues generated from (i) air travel-related services (ii) revenues from non-air-travel related services and (iii) cargo services.

Air travel-related services include, but are not limited to, fees charged for excess baggage, bookings through our call center or third-party agencies, advanced seat selection, itinerary changes, charters and passenger charges for no-show tickets. They are recognized as revenue when the related service is provided.

Non-air-travel-related services include commissions charged to third parties for the sale of hotel rooms, trip insurance and rental cars. They are recognized as revenue at the time the service is provided. Additionally, services not directly related to air transportation include Volaris’ sale of VClub membership and the sale of advertising spaces to third parties. VClub membership fees are recognized as revenues over the life of the membership. Revenue from the sale of advertising spaces is recognized over the period in which the space is provided.

Revenues from cargo services are recognized when the cargo transportation is provided (upon delivery of the cargo to the destination).

 

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The following table shows each of the line items in our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated as a percentage of our total operating revenues for that period:

 

     For the Years ended December 31,  
     2014     2015     2016  

Operating revenues:

      

Passenger

     81     78     76

Non-ticket

     19     22     24

Total operating revenues

     100     100     100

Other operating income

     0     (1 %)      (2 %) 

Fuel

     38     26     24

Aircraft and engine rent expense

     18     19     24

Landing, take-off and navigation expenses

     15     14     14

Salaries and benefits

     11     10     10

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

     6     6     6

Maintenance expenses

     5     5     6

Other operating expenses

     3     4     4

Depreciation and amortization

     2     3     2

Total operating expenses, net

     99     86     88

Operating income

     1     14     12

Finance income

     0     0     0

Finance cost

     0     0     0

Exchange gain, net

     3     5     9

Income before income tax

     5     19     21

Income tax expense

     0     (6 %)      (6 %) 

Net income

     4     14     15

Revenues from our international operations represented 27.2%, 30.8% and 33.1% of our total revenues in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively, and revenues from our domestic operations represented 72.8%, 69.2% and 66.9% of our total revenues in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Revenue Recognition. Revenues from the air transportation of passengers and commissions from ground transportation services are recognized at the earlier of when the service is provided or when the non-refundable ticket expires at the date of the scheduled travel. Ticket sales for future flights are initially recognized as liabilities under the caption unearned transportation revenue and, upon provision of the corresponding transportation service or expiration of the ticket, the earned revenue is credited to operations as revenues and the liability account is reduced by the same amount. All of our tickets are non-refundable, and subject to change upon the payment of a fee. Additionally, we do not operate a frequent flier program. Our most significant non-ticket revenues include revenues generated from (i) air travel-related services, (ii) non-air-travel related services, and (iii) cargo services:

 

    Air travel-related services include, but are not limited to, fees charged for excess baggage, bookings through our call center or third-party agencies, advanced seat selection, itinerary changes, charters and passenger charges for no-show tickets. They are recognized as revenue when the related service is provided.

Non-air-travel-related services include commissions charged to third parties for the sale of hotel rooms, trip insurance and rental cars. They are recognized as revenue at the time the service is provided. Additionally, services not directly related to air transportation include Volaris’ sale of VClub membership and the sale of advertising spaces to third parties. VClub membership fees are recognized as revenues over the life of the membership. Revenue from the sale of advertising spaces is recognized over the period in which the space is provided. Revenues from cargo services are recognized when the cargo transportation is provided (upon delivery of the cargo to the destination).

We are also required to collect certain taxes and fees from customers on behalf of government agencies and airports and remit these back to the applicable governmental entity or airport on a periodic basis. These taxes and fees include value added tax, federal transportation taxes, federal security charges, airport passenger facility charges, and foreign arrival and departure taxes. These items are collected from customers at the time they purchase their tickets, but are not included in passenger revenue. We record a liability upon collection from the customer and discharge the liability when payments are remitted to the applicable governmental entity or airport.

 

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Operating Expenses, net

Our operating expenses consist of the following line items.

Other Operating Income. Other operating income primarily includes the gains from sale and lease back operations of our aircraft and engines.

Fuel. Fuel expense is our single largest operating expense. It includes the cost of fuel, related taxes, fueling into-plane fees and transportation fees. It also includes realized gains and losses that arise from any fuel price derivative activity qualifying for hedge accounting.

Aircraft and Engine Rent Expense. Aircraft rent expense consists of monthly lease rents for our 69 aircraft and 11 spare engines, as of December 31, 2016, under the terms of the related operating leases and is recognized on a straight line basis. Aircraft rent expense also includes gains and losses related to our interest rate swap contracts that qualify for hedge accounting. Additionally, if we determine that we will probably not recover partially or completely the maintenance deposits we pay to the lessor as maintenance deposits, we record these amounts in the results of operations as additional aircraft rent (supplemental and contingent rent) from the time we make the determination over the remaining term of the lease.

Salaries and Benefits. Salaries and benefits expense includes the salaries, hourly wages, employee health insurance coverage and variable compensation that are provided to employees for their services, as well as the related expenses associated with employee benefit plans and employer payroll taxes.

Landing, Take-off and Navigation Expenses. Landing, take-off and navigation expenses include airport fees, handling charges, and other rents, which are fixed and variable facilities’ expenses, such as the fees charged by airports for the use or lease of airport facilities, as well as costs associated with ground handling services that we outsource at certain airports. This expense also includes route charges, which are the costs of using a country’s or territory’s airspace, and are levied depending on the distance flown over such airspace.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution Expenses. Sales, marketing and distribution expenses consist of advertising and promotional expenses directly related to our services, including the cost of web support, our outsourced call center, travel agent commissions, and credit card discount fees that are associated with the sale of tickets and other products and services.

Maintenance Expenses. Maintenance expenses include all parts, materials, repairs and fees for repairs performed by third-party vendors directly required to maintain our fleet. It excludes the direct labor cost of our own mechanics, which is included under salaries and benefits and includes only routine and ordinary maintenance expenses. Major maintenance expenses are capitalized and subsequently amortized as described in “—Depreciation and Amortization—” below.

Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses include (i) administrative support such as travel expenses, stationery, administrative training, monthly rent paid for our headquarters’ facility, professional fees and all other administrative and operational overhead expenses; (ii) costs for technological support, communication systems, cell phones, and internal and operational telephone lines; (iii) premiums and all expenses related to the aviation insurance policy (hull and liability); (iv) outsourced ground services and the cost of snacks and beverages that we serve on board to our passengers; and (v) rent expense associated with the lease of our maintenance warehouse and hangar.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense includes the depreciation of all rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment we own and leasehold improvements to flight equipment. It also includes the amortization of major maintenance expenses we defer under the deferral method of accounting for major maintenance events associated with the aging of our fleet and recognize over the shorter period of the next major maintenance event or the remaining lease term.

 

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A common measure of per unit costs in the airline industry is cost per available seat mile (CASM). The following table shows the breakdown of CASM for the periods indicated:

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014      2015      2016      2016  
     (In Ps.cents)      (In U.S. $
cents)(1)
 

Other operating income

     (0.2      (1.4      (3.0      (0.1

Fuel

     45.3        33.6        34.4        1.6  

Aircraft and engine rent expense

     21.4        25.1        33.5        1.6  

Landing, take-off and navigation expenses

     17.5        18.5        19.6        0.9  

Salaries and benefits

     13.3        13.5        14.5        0.7  

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

     6.9        7.7        8.5        0.4  

Maintenance expenses

     5.6        6.2        8.0        0.4  

Other operating expenses

     4.1        5.0        5.7        0.3  

Depreciation and amortization

     2.9        3.3        3.2        0.2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses, net

     116.9        111.5        124.4        6.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Peso amounts were converted to U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of Ps.20.6640 per U.S. $1.00 as the rate for the payment of obligations denominated in foreign currency payable in Mexico in effect on December 31, 2016. Such conversions should not be construed as a representation that the peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated, or at all.

Trends and Uncertainties Affecting Our Business

We believe our operating and business performance is driven by various factors that affect airlines and their markets, trends affecting the broader travel industry, and trends affecting the specific markets and customer base that we target. The following key factors may affect our future performance.

Economic Conditions in Mexico. Mexico’s GDP is expected to grow by 2% to 3% per year for the next ten years according to the Mexican Central Bank, which is 0% to 1% above the expected annual growth for the United States during the same period as reported by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Mexico’s projected GDP growth is expected to result in the number of middle-income homes continuing their growth trend, having already grown from 5.1 million in 1992 to 15.8 million in 2008. Regarding population dynamics as of 2015, according to the INEGI intercensal survey, around 36% of the Mexican population was under 20 years of age, which benefits us by providing a strong base of potential customer growth. Inflation in Mexico during 2016 was 3.36% according to the INEGI. As of December 31, 2016, international reserves were at U.S. $176.5 billion.

Competition. The airline industry is highly competitive. The principal competitive factors in the airline industry are fare pricing, total price, flight schedules, aircraft type, passenger amenities and related services, number of routes served from a city, customer service, safety record and reputation, code-sharing relationships and frequent flier programs and redemption opportunities. Our current and potential competitors include traditional network airlines, low-cost carriers, regional airlines and new entrant airlines. We typically compete in markets served by legacy carriers and other low-cost carriers, and, to a lesser extent, regional airlines. Some of our current or future competitors may have greater liquidity and access to capital and may serve more routes than we do.

Our principal competitive advantages are our low base fares and our focus on VFR travelers, leisure travelers and cost-conscious business people. These low base fares are facilitated by our low CASM, which at Ps.124.4 cents (U.S. $6.0 cents) we believe was the lowest CASM in Latin America in 2016, compared to Avianca at U.S. $13.2 cents, Copa at U.S. $8.8 cents, Gol at U.S. $9.8 cents, Grupo Aeroméxico at U.S. $9.0 cents and LATAM at U.S. $10.7 cents. We also have lower costs than our publicly traded target market competitors in the United States, including Alaska Air at U.S. $10.4 cents, American at U.S. $12.8 cents, Delta at U.S. $13.0 cents, JetBlue at U.S. $10.8 cents, Southwest Airlines at U.S. $11.2 cents and United at U.S. $12.7 cents.

Our principal competitors for the domestic market are Grupo Aeroméxico, Interjet and VivaAerobus, Interjet and VivaAerobus are low-cost carriers in Mexico. In 2016, the Mexican low-cost carriers (including us) combined had 63.5% of the domestic market based on passenger flight segments. We had 27.5% of the domestic market which placed us second, according to the DGAC.

We also face domestic competition from ground transportation alternatives, primarily long-distance bus companies. There are limited passenger rail services in Mexico. There is a large bus industry in Mexico, with total passenger segments of approximately 3.0 billion in 2016, of which approximately 80 million were executive and luxury passenger segments, according to the Mexican Authority of Ground Transportation (Dirección General de Autotransporte Federal) and which could include both long- and short-

 

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distance travel. We set certain of our promotional fares at prices lower than bus fares for similar routes in order to stimulate demand for air travel among passengers who in the past have traveled long distances primarily by bus. We believe a small shift of bus passengers to air travel would dramatically increase the number of airline passengers and bring the air trips per capita figures in Mexico closer to those of other countries in the Americas.

Our principal competitors for the international routes between Mexico and the United States are Grupo Aeroméxico, Alaska Air, Delta and United. We have grown rapidly in the international market since we started international operations in 2009, reaching 35% market share on the routes that we operate and 10% market share considering all routes between Mexico and the United States in 2016, according to the DGAC.

Seasonality and Volatility. Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire year because our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. We generally expect demand to be greater during the summer in the northern hemisphere, in December and around Easter, which can fall either in the first or second quarter, compared to the rest of the year. Our business is also volatile and highly affected by economic cycles and trends. Consumer confidence and discretionary spending, fear of terrorism or war, health outbreaks, weakening economic conditions, fare initiatives, fluctuations in fuel prices, labor actions, weather and other factors have resulted in significant fluctuations in our revenues and results of operations in the past. Particularly, in 2008, the demand for air transportation services was significantly adversely affected by both the severe economic recession and the record high fuel prices. We believe, however, that demand for business travel historically has been more sensitive to economic pressures than demand for low-price leisure and VFR travel, which are the primary markets we serve.

In addition, on January 20, 2017, Donald Trump became president of the United States. President Trump has already implemented immigration policies that have adversely affected the United States—Mexico travel behavior, especially in the VFR and leisure markets, and there is a possibility that further immigration policy changes are to come. President Trump’s immigration policies had a negative impact on our results of operations during the first quarter of 2017 and this negative impact can be expected to continue if the Trump administration continues to carry out such immigration policies.

Fuel. Fuel costs represent the single largest operating expense for most airlines, including ours, accounting for 39%, 30% and 28% of our total operating expenses for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Fuel availability and pricing are also subject to refining capacity, periods of market surplus and shortage, and demand for heating oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as economic, social and political factors and other events occurring throughout the world, which we can neither control nor accurately predict. We source a significant portion of our fuel from refining sources located in Mexico.

During 2016, we did not enter into US Gulf Coast Jet Fuel 54 swap contracts. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 we entered into US Gulf Coast Jet fuel 54 swap contracts to hedge approximately 20% and 5% of our fuel consumption, respectively. These instruments were formally designated and qualified for hedge accounting and accordingly, the effective portion is allocated within other comprehensive income, while the effects of transforming into a fixed jet fuel prices by these hedges are presented as part of jet fuel costs when recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Our fuel hedging practices are dependent upon many factors, including our assessment of market conditions for fuel, our access to the capital necessary to support margin requirements under swap agreements and the pricing of hedges and other derivative products in the market.

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2016, we also entered into US Gulf Coast Jet fuel 54 Asian call options designated to hedge approximately 52% and 24% of our 2017 and 2018 projected fuel consumption, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into US Gulf Coast fuel 54 Asian call options designated to hedge approximately 55% and 23% of our 2016 and 2017 projected fuel consumption, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, we purchased our domestic fuel under the ASA fuel service contract, and the international fuel under the WFS, BP Products North America, Chevron and Associated Energy Group fuel service contracts. The cost and future availability of fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.

Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses. While most of our revenue is generated in Mexican pesos, 33% of our revenues came from our operations in the United States and Central America during the year ended December 31, 2016 (compared to 31% during the year ended December 31, 2015) and U.S. dollar denominated collections accounted for 36% and 38% of our total collections in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In addition, the majority of our operating costs are denominated in or indexed to U.S. dollars, constituting 67% and 69% of our total operating costs in 2015 and 2016. Our key U.S. dollar-denominated operating costs include fuel, aircraft rentals and maintenance costs.

We manage our foreign exchange risk exposure by a policy of matching, to the extent possible, receipts and local payments in each individual currency. Most of the surplus funds are converted into U.S. dollars. However, we are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the peso and the U.S. dollar.

 

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As of December 31, 2015, and 2016, our net asset position denominated in U.S. dollars was U.S. $390.1 million and U.S. $584.5 million, respectively. As a result of the significant depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar in the last three years and our net U.S. dollar asset position, we recorded a foreign exchange gain, net of Ps.448.7 million in 2014, Ps.966.6 million in 2015 and Ps.2.2 billion in 2016.

Maintenance Expenses. We are required to conduct varying levels of aircraft and engine maintenance which involve significantly different labor and materials inputs. Maintenance requirements depend on the age and type of aircraft and the route network over which they operate. Fleet maintenance requirements may involve short cycle engineering checks, for example, component checks, monthly checks, annual airframe checks and periodic major maintenance and engine checks. Aircraft maintenance and repair costs for routine and non-routine maintenance are divided into three general categories:

 

  (i) Routine maintenance requirements consist of daily and weekly scheduled maintenance checks on our aircraft, including pre-flight, daily, weekly and overnight checks, diagnostic and routine repairs and any necessary unscheduled tasks performed. These types of line maintenance are currently serviced by our mechanics and are primarily completed at the main airports that we currently serve. All other maintenance activities are sub-contracted to qualified maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations. Routine maintenance also includes scheduled tasks that can take from seven to 14 days to accomplish and are required approximately every 22 months. All routine maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

 

  (ii) Major maintenance consists of a series of more complex tasks that can take from one to eight weeks to accomplish and are generally required approximately every five to six years. Major maintenance is accounted for under the deferral method, whereby the cost of major maintenance and major overhaul and repair is capitalized as improvements to leased assets and amortized over the shorter period of the next major maintenance event or the remaining lease term.

 

  (iii) Engine services are provided pursuant to an engine flight hour agreement that guarantees a cost per overhaul, provides miscellaneous engine coverage, caps the cost of foreign objects damage events, ensures protection from annual escalations and grants an annual credit for scrapped components. We also have a power-by-hour agreement for component services, which guarantees the availability of aircraft parts for our fleet when they are required and provides aircraft parts that are not included in the redelivery conditions of the contract without constituting an additional cost at the time of redelivery. The costs associated with the miscellaneous engine coverage and the component services agreements are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.

Due to the young age of our fleet (approximately 4.2 years on average as of December 31, 2016), maintenance expense in 2015 and 2016 remained relatively low. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 we capitalized major maintenance events as part of leasehold improvements to the flight equipment in the amount of Ps.295.8 million and Ps.226.5 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 the amortization of these deferred major maintenance expenses was Ps.253.4 million, Ps.352.9 million Ps.404.7 million, respectively. The amortization of deferred maintenance expenses is included in depreciation and amortization rather than total maintenance costs as described in “—Critical Accounting Polices and Estimates.” In 2014, 2015 and 2016, total maintenance costs amounted to Ps.664.6 million, Ps.874.6 million and Ps.1.3 billion, respectively. As the fleet ages, we expect that maintenance costs will increase in absolute terms. The amount of total maintenance costs and related amortization of heavy maintenance expense is subject to many variables such as future utilization rates, average stage length, the size and makeup of the fleet in future periods and the level of unscheduled maintenance events and their actual costs. Accordingly, we cannot reliably quantify future maintenance expenses for any significant period of time. However, we estimate that based on our scheduled maintenance events, current maintenance expense and maintenance-related amortization expense will be approximately Ps.2.1 billion (U.S. $107.1 million) in 2017.

Aircraft Maintenance Deposits Paid to Lessors. The terms of our aircraft lease agreements require us to pay maintenance deposits to lessors to be held as collateral for the performance of major maintenance activities, resulting in our recording significant prepaid deposits on our consolidated statements of financial position. As a result, the cash costs of scheduled major maintenance events are paid well in advance of the recognition of the maintenance event in our results of operations. Please see Item 5:—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Ramp-up Period for New Routes. During 2014 we opened 38 new routes, added 22 more in 2015 and 20 more in 2016. As we continue to grow, we would expect to continue to experience a lag between when new routes are put into service and when they reach their full profit potential. See Item 3: “Key Information—Risk Factors—Airline consolidations and reorganizations could adversely affect the industry.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements. Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included herein provides a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies.

 

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Critical accounting policies are defined as those policies that reflect significant judgments or estimates about matters that are both inherently uncertain and material to our financial condition or results of operations.

Aircraft Maintenance Deposits Paid to Lessors. Our lease agreements provide that we pay maintenance deposits or supplement rent to aircraft lessors to be held as collateral in advance of our performance of major maintenance activities. Maintenance deposits are held as collateral in cash. These lease agreements provide that maintenance deposits are reimbursable to us upon completion of the maintenance event in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of the maintenance deposits held by the lessor associated with the specific maintenance event or (ii) the qualifying costs related to the specific maintenance event. Substantially all of these maintenance deposits are calculated based on a utilization measure, such as flight hours or cycles, and are used solely to collateralize the lessor for maintenance time run off the aircraft until the completion of the maintenance of the aircraft and engines. We paid Ps.834.9 million, Ps.1.4 billion and Ps.2.2 billion in maintenance deposits, net of reimbursements, to our lessors for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

At lease inception and at each consolidated statement of financial position date, we assess whether the maintenance deposit payments required by the lease agreements are substantively and contractually related to the maintenance of the leased asset. Maintenance deposit payments that are substantively and contractually related to the maintenance of the leased asset are accounted for as maintenance deposits. Maintenance deposits expected to be recovered from lessors are reflected as guarantee deposits in the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position.

The portion of prepaid maintenance deposits that are deemed unlikely to be recovered, primarily relate to the rate differential between the maintenance deposits payments and the expected cost for the next related maintenance event that the deposits serve to collateralize is recognized as supplemental rent.

Thus, any excess of the required deposit over the expected cost of the major maintenance event is recognized as supplemental rent starting from the period the determination is made. When it is not probable that we will recover amounts currently on deposit with a lessor, such amounts are expensed as supplemental rent. We expensed Ps.43.0 million in 2014, Ps.73.3 million in 2015 and Ps.143.9 million in 2016 of maintenance deposits as supplemental rent.

As of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 we had prepaid maintenance deposits of Ps.3.4 billion, Ps.4.9 billion and Ps.7.1 billion, respectively, recorded in our consolidated statement of financial position. We currently expect that these prepaid maintenance deposits are likely to be recovered primarily because there is no rate differential between the maintenance deposit payments and the expected cost for the related next maintenance event that the deposits serve to collateralize.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 we extended the lease term of one aircraft agreement, three aircraft agreements and two agreements, respectively. These extensions made available maintenance deposits that were recognized in prior periods in the consolidated statements of operations as contingent rent of Ps.47.4 million, Ps.92.6 million and Ps.92.5 million during 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Because the lease extension benefits are considered lease incentives, the benefits are deferred in the caption other liabilities and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining revised lease terms. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we amortized Ps.26.9 million, Ps.45.3 million and Ps.74.7 million respectively, of this amount which was recognized as a reduction of rent expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we added 13 new net aircraft to our fleet. The lease agreements of some of these aircraft do not require the obligation to pay maintenance deposits to lessors in advance in order to ensure major maintenance activities, so we do not record guarantee deposits regarding these aircraft. However, some of these agreements provide the obligation to make a maintenance adjustment payment to the lessors at the end of the contract period. This adjustment covers maintenance events that are not expected to be made before the termination of the contract. We recognize this cost as a contingent rent during the lease term of the related aircraft, in the consolidated statement of operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we expensed as contingent rent Ps.110,736, Ps.290,857 and Ps.201,434, respectively.

Aircraft and Engine Maintenance. We account for major maintenance under the deferral method. Under the deferral method, the cost of major maintenance is capitalized (leasehold improvements to flight equipment) and amortized as a component of depreciation and amortization expense until the next major maintenance event or during the remaining contractual lease term, whichever occurs first. The next major maintenance event is estimated based on assumptions including estimated usage maintenance intervals mandated by the FAA in the United States and the DGAC in Mexico and average removal times suggested by the manufacturer. These assumptions may change based on changes in the utilization of aircraft, changes in government regulations and changes in suggested manufacturer maintenance intervals. In addition, these assumptions can be affected by unplanned incidents that could damage an airframe, engine, or major component to a level that would require a major maintenance event prior to a scheduled maintenance event. To the extent the planned usage increases, the estimated useful life would decrease before the next maintenance event, resulting in additional amortization expense over a shorter period.

 

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In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we capitalized costs of major maintenance events of Ps.585.7 million, Ps.415.0 million and Ps.226.5 million, respectively and we recognized amortization expenses of Ps.253.4 million, Ps.352.9 million and Ps.404.7 million, respectively. The amortization of deferred maintenance expenses is included under the caption depreciation and amortization expense in our consolidated statement of operations. If the amortization of major maintenance expenditures were classified as maintenance expense, they would amount to Ps.918.0 million, Ps.1,227.5 million and Ps.1,748.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Fair value: The fair value of our financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position cannot be derived from active markets. They are determined using valuation techniques such as the discounted cash flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. The judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and expected volatility. Changes in assumptions regarding these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.

Gains and Losses on Sale and Leaseback. For aircraft acquired through a sale and leaseback transaction, any profit or loss is accounted for as follows: (i) profit or loss is recognized immediately when it is clear that the transaction is established at fair value; (ii) if the sale price is below fair value, any profit or loss is recognized immediately; however, if the loss is compensated for by future lease payments at below market price, such loss is recognized as an asset on the consolidated statements of financial position and loss recognition is deferred and amortized to the consolidated statements of operations in proportion to the lease payments over the contractual lease term; and (iii) if the sale price is above fair value, the excess is deferred and amortized to the consolidated statements of operations over the asset’s expected lease term, including probable renewals, with the amortization recorded as a reduction of rent expense.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 we sold and transferred aircraft and engines to third parties, giving rise to a gain of approximately Ps.14.2 million, Ps.181.7 million and Ps.484.8 million respectively, that was recorded as other operating income in the consolidated statement of operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we entered into aircraft and spare engine sale and leaseback transactions, which resulted in a loss of Ps.30.7 million. This loss was deferred on the consolidated statements of financial position and is being amortized over the contractual lease term. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we amortized a loss of Ps.3.0 million, Ps.3.0 million and Ps.3.0 million, respectively, as additional aircraft rental expense.

In August 2012, we entered into a total support agreement with Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT), as amended in December 2016, that expires December 31, 2022, which includes a total component support agreement (power-by-hour) and ensures the availability of aircraft components for our fleet when they are required. The cost of the total component support agreement is applied monthly to the results of operations. Additionally, this transaction includes a sale and leaseback agreement for certain components. As part of this total support agreement, we received credit notes of Ps.46.5 million, which was deferred on the consolidated statement of financial position and is being amortized on a straight line basis, prospectively during the term of the agreement.

During 2014, 2015 and 2016, we amortized a corresponding benefit from these credit notes of, Ps.9.3 million, Ps.9.3 million and Ps.9.3 million, respectively, which is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction of maintenance expenses.

During 2014, we applied Ps.21.1 million, to outstanding LHT invoices. Additionally, as of December 31, 2013, we also recorded an account receivable of Ps.10 million for the unused portion of the credit notes. The credit notes were used during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Equity-settled Transactions. Equity-settled transactions are measured at fair value at the date the equity benefits are conditionally granted to employees. The Equity-settled Transactions include a share purchase plan and a management incentive plan.

Long-term Incentive Plans

Share Purchase Plan

In November 2014, we established a share purchase plan pursuant to which certain of our key executives were granted a special bonus equal to a fair value of Ps.10.8 million to be used to purchase our shares. On April 21, 2016, an amendment to this plan was approved at our annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The key components of the plan are as follows:

 

  (i) Servicios Corporativos granted a bonus to each key executive.

 

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  (ii) Pursuant to the instructions of such key executives, on November 11, 2014, an amount equal to Ps.7.1 million (the fair value of the bonus net of withheld taxes) was transferred to an administrative trust for the acquisition of our Series A shares through an intermediary authorized by the Mexican stock market, based on the instructions of the administration trust’s technical committee.

 

  (iii) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the administrative trust agreement signed in connection thereto, the acquired shares are to be held in escrow in the administrative trust until the applicable vesting period date for each key executive, which is the date as of which each such key executive can fully dispose of the shares as desired.

 

  (iv) If the terms and conditions set forth therein are not meet by the applicable vesting period date, then the shares will be sold in the BMV and Servicios Corporativos will be entitled to receive the proceeds from such sale.

 

  (v) Each key executive’ account balance will be administered by the administrative trustee, whose objective is to manage the shares granted to each key executive based on instructions set forth by the administrative trust’s technical committee.

The total cost of this share purchase plan approved in November 2014 is Ps.10.8 million. This valuation is the result of multiplying the total number of our Series A shares deposited in the administrative trust and the price per share, plus the balance in cash deposited in the administrative trust. This amount is being expensed over the vesting period, which commenced on November 11, 2014 and will end in November 2019.

In April and October 2016, extensions to this share purchase plan were approved by our board of directors. The total cost of the extensions approved was Ps.14.5 million (or Ps.9.5 million, net of withheld taxes) and Ps.11.6 million (or Ps.7.6 million, net of withheld taxes), respectively. Under these extensions, certain of our key employees were granted a special bonus that was transferred to the administrative trust for the acquisition of our Series A shares.

During 2014, 2015 and 2016, we recognized Ps.1.1 million, Ps.6.0 million and Ps.7.8 million, respectively, as compensation expense associated with the complete share purchase plan in our consolidated statement of operations.

Movements during the year

The following table illustrates the number of shares associated with our share purchase plan during the year:

 

     Number of
Series A shares
 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2015

     *617,001  

Purchased during the year

     513,002  

Granted during the year

     —    

Exercised during the year

     (425,536

Forfeited during the year

     (86,419
  

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

     *618,048  
  

 

 

 

 

* These shares were presented as treasury shares in the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 and all are considered outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share purposes because the holders are entitled to dividends if and when distributed.

 

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The vesting period of the shares granted under the Company’s share purchase plan is as follows:

 

Number of Series A

shares

        Vesting period
  345,270*      November 2016 - 2017
171,010      November 2017 - 2018
101,768        November 2018 - 2019
618,048     

 

 

* Includes the shares acquired during November 2015.

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, some key employees left the Company; therefore, these employees did not fulfill the vesting conditions. In accordance with the plan, Servicios Corporativos is entitled to receive the proceeds of the sale of such shares. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 86,419 shares were forfeited.

Management Incentive Plan

The management incentive plan has been classified as an equity-settled transaction because as of the grant date the fair value of the transaction is fixed and is not adjusted by subsequent changes in the fair value of capital instruments.

The total cost of the management incentive plan is Ps.2.7 million. This amount is being expensed over the vesting period, which commenced retroactively upon consummation of our initial public offering and will end on December 31, 2015. During 2012, we did not recognize any compensation expense associated with the management incentive plan in our consolidated statement of operations. During 2013, 2014 and 2015, we recorded Ps.2.1 million Ps.0.3 million and Ps.0.3 million, respectively, as a cost of the management incentive plan related to the vested shares, as recorded in our consolidated statement of operations.

The factors considered in the valuation model for the management incentive plan included a volatility assumption estimated from historical returns on common stock of comparable companies and other inputs obtained from independent and observable sources, such as Bloomberg. The share spot price fair value was determined using the market approach valuation methodology, with the following assumptions:

 

     2012  

Dividend yield (%)

     0.00  

Volatility (%)

     37.00  

Risk—free interest rate (%)

     5.96  

Expected life of share options (years)

     8.80  

Exercise share price (in Mexican pesos)

     5.31  

Exercise multiple

     1.10  

Fair value of the stock at grant date

     1.73  

The dividend yield was set at zero because at the time the management incentive plan was valued and as of the date of this annual report, we do not have any plans to pay a dividend.

The volatility was determined based on average historical volatilities. Such volatilities were calculated according to a database including up to 18 months of historical stock price returns of U.S. and Latin American publicly traded airlines. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility of comparable companies is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

The risk-free interest rate is the interbank interest rate in Mexico, continuously expressed, accordingly to the corresponding term.

The expected life of the share options is an output of the valuation model, and represents the average time the option is expected to remain viable, assuming the employee does not leave during the vesting period.

The management incentive plan explicitly incorporates expectations of the employee’s early exercise behavior by assuming that early exercise happens when the stock price is a certain multiple, M, of the exercise price. The exercise multiple M, of 1.1x incorporates the assumption that the employee’s exercise of the options can occur when the share prices are 1.1 times the exercise price, i.e. 10% above the exercise price.

 

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On September 18, 2013, the key employees participating in the management incentive plan exercised 4,891,410 shares. As a result, the key employees paid Ps.25.9 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the Management Trust.

On November 16, 2015, as part of the secondary follow-on equity offering, the key employees exercised 4,414,860 Series A shares. The key employees paid Ps.23.5 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the Management Trust.

During 2016, the key employees participating in the management incentive plan exercised 3,299,999 Series A shares. The key employees paid Ps.17.5 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the Management Trust.

Movements during the year

The following table illustrates the number of share options and fixed exercise prices during the year:

 

     Number      Exercise price
in Mexican pesos
     Total in thousands
of Mexican pesos
 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2012

     25,164,126      Ps. 5.31      Ps.  133,723  

Granted during the year

     —          —          —    

Forfeited during the year

     —          —          —    

Exercised during the year

     (4,891,410      5.31        (25,993
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2013

     20,272,716      Ps. 5.31      Ps.  107,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Granted during the year

     —          —          —    

Forfeited during the year

     —          —          —    

Exercised during the year

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2014

     20,272,716      Ps. 5.31      Ps. 107,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Granted during the year

     —          —          —    

Forfeited during the year

     —          —          —    

Exercised during the year

     (4,414,860      5.31        (23,461
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2015

     15,857,856      Ps. 5.31      Ps. 84,269  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Granted during the year

     —          —          —    

Forfeited during the year

     —          —          —    

Exercised during the year

     (3,299,999      5.31        (17,536
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

     12,557,857      Ps. 5.31      Ps. 66,733  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the shares held in trust to satisfy the management options were considered as treasury shares. As of December 31, 2015, and 2016, 15,857,856 and 12,557,857 share options were vested, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the total number of vested and unvested shares amounted to 17,246,405 and 3,026,311, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the total number of vested and unvested shares amounted to 14,228,364 and 6,044,352, respectively.

Management Incentive Plan II

On November 6, 2016, our board of directors approved an extension of the management incentive plan to certain key employees, known as MIP II. Under MIP II, 13,536,960 share appreciation rights of our Series A shares were granted to be settled annually in cash in a period of five years in accordance with the established service conditions. In addition, a five-year extension to the period in which the executives can exercise MIP II once the SARs are vested was also approved.

The fair value of these SARs is estimated at the grant date and at each reporting date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which takes into account the terms and conditions on which the SARs were granted (vesting schedule included in the table below). The amount of the cash payment is determined based on the increase in our share price between the grant date and the settlement date.

 

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The carrying amount of the liability relating to these SARs as of December 31, 2016 was Ps.54.4 million. The compensation cost is recognized in our consolidated statement of operations under the caption salaries and benefits over the service period. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded Ps.54.4 million associated with these SARs in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

Number of SARs (Grant date: November 6, 2016)         Exercisable date  
2,030,540        November 2017  
2,030,540        November 2018  
2,030,540        November 2019  
3,384,240        November 2020  
4,061,100          November 2021  
13,536,960       

Cash-settled Transactions. Cash-settled transactions include a share appreciation rights (“SARs”) plan.

Long-term Retention Plan

During 2010, we adopted an employee long-term retention plan, the purpose of which is to retain high-performing employees within the organization by paying incentives depending on our performance. Incentives under this plan were payable in three annual installments, following the provisions for other long-term benefits under IAS 19. During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 we expensed Ps.6.3 million and Ps.6.5 million respectively, as bonuses as part of the caption salaries and benefits. During 2014, this plan was structured as a long-term incentive plan, which consists of a share purchase plan (equity-settled) and share appreciation rights plan (cash-settled).

Long-term Incentive Plan

Share Appreciation Rights

On November 6, 2014 we granted 4,315,264 Series A SARs to key executives. The SARs vest during a three-year period as long as the employee completes the required service period, and entitle them to a cash payment. As of the grant date the amount of SARs granted under this plan totaled Ps.10.8 million.

Under the share purchase program extensions described above, the number of SARs granted to certain of our key executives totaled 1,793,459 and 2,044,604, respectively, which amounts to a cost of Ps.11.6 million (or Ps.7.6 million, net of withheld taxes) and Ps.14.5 million (or Ps.9.5 million, net of withheld taxes), for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The SARs vest during a three-year period as long as the employee completes the required service period.

The fair value of these SARs is estimated at the grant date and at each reporting date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which takes into account the terms and conditions on which the SARs were granted (vesting schedule included in the table below). The amount of the cash payment is determined based on the increase in our share price between the grant date and the settlement date.

The carrying amount of the liability relating to the SARs as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 was Ps.14.5 million and Ps.15.7 million, respectively. The compensation cost is recognized in our consolidated statement of operations under the caption of salaries and benefits over the service period. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we recorded Ps.1.7 million, Ps.44.7 million and Ps.31.7 million, respectively, in respect of these SARs in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

Number of SARs (Grant date: November 6, 2014)    Exercisable date  

2,301,000

     November 2016-2017  

1,055,996

     November 2017-2018  

    482,475

     November 2018-2019  

  3,839,471

  

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting. We mitigate certain financial risks, such as volatility in the price of aircraft fuel, adverse changes in interest rates and exchange rate fluctuations, through a controlled risk management policy that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. The derivative financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value. The effective portion of a cash flow hedge’s unrecognized gain or loss is recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) items,” while the ineffective portion is recognized in current year earnings. The realized gain or loss of derivative financial instruments that qualify as hedging is recorded in the same statements of operations as the realized gain or loss of the hedged item. Derivative financial instruments that are not designated as or not effective as a hedge are

 

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recognized at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in current year earnings. During 2016, all derivative financial instruments held qualified for hedge accounting. Outstanding derivative financial instruments may require collateral to guarantee a portion of the unsettled loss prior to maturity. The amount of collateral delivered in guarantee, which is presented as part of “Guarantee deposits,” is reviewed and adjusted on a daily basis, based on the fair value of the derivative position. As of December 31, 2016 we did not have any collateral recorded as a guarantee deposits.

 

(i) Aircraft Fuel Price Risk. We account for derivative financial instruments at fair value and recognize them in the consolidated statement of financial position as an asset or liability. The cost of aircraft fuel consumed in 2014, 2015 and 2016 represented 39%, 30% and 28% of our operating expenses, respectively. To manage aircraft fuel price risk, we periodically enter into derivatives financial instruments. During 2014 and 2015, we entered into aircraft fuel swap hedges (further described in the paragraph immediately below) that gave rise to a loss of Ps.85.7 million and Ps.128.3 million, respectively. Since these instruments qualify as accounting hedges, the cost and related gains or losses are considered a portion of the fuel cost in the consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of these fuel swap instruments was a net asset position of Ps.169.6 million. All of the Company’s US Gulf Coast Jet fuel 54 swaps positions matured on June 30, 2015, and therefore there is no balance outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

 

  During 2016, we did not enter into US Gulf Jet Fuel 54 swap contracts. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, we entered into US Gulf Coast Jet fuel 54 swap contracts to hedge approximately 20% and 5% of our fuel consumption, respectively. These instruments were formally designated and qualified for hedge accounting and accordingly, the effective portion is allocated within other comprehensive income, while the effects of transforming into a fixed jet fuel prices by these hedges are presented as part of jet fuel costs when recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Our fuel hedging practices are dependent upon many factors, including our assessment of market conditions for fuel, our access to the capital necessary to support margin requirements under swap agreements and the pricing of hedges and other derivative products in the market.

 

  Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2016, we entered into US Gulf Coast Jet fuel 54 Asian call options designated to hedge approximately 52% and 24% of our 2017 and 2018 fuel consumption.

 

  During the year ended December 31, 2014, we elected to adopt IFRS 9 (2013), which comprises aspects related to classifications and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, as well as hedge accounting treatment. Paragraph 6.2.4 (a) of IFRS 9 (2013) allows us to separate the intrinsic value and time value of an option contract and to designate as the hedging instrument only the change in the intrinsic value of the option. As further required in paragraph 6.5.15 therein, because the external value (time value) of the Jet fuel 54 Asian call options are related to a “transaction related hedged item,” it is required to be segregated and accounted for as a “cost of hedging” in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and accrued as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until the related hedged item affects profit and loss. Since monthly forecasted jet fuel consumption is considered the hedged item of the “related to a transaction” type, then the time value included as accrued changes on external value in capital is considered as a “cost of hedging” under IFRS 9 (2013). The hedged item (jet fuel consumption) of the Jet fuel 54 Asian call options contracted by us represent a non-financial asset (energy commodity), which is not in our inventory. Instead, it is directly consumed by our aircraft at different airport terminals. Therefore, although a non-financial asset is involved, its initial recognition does not generate a book adjustment in our inventories. Rather, it is initially accounted for in our other comprehensive income (OCI) and a reclassification adjustment is made from OCI toward the profit and loss and recognized in the same period or periods during which the hedged item is expected to be allocated to profit and loss (in accordance with IFRS 9.6.5.15, B6.5.29 (a), B6.5.34 (a) and B6.5.39). As of January 2015, we began to reclassify these amounts (previously recognized as a component of equity) to our statement of operations in the same period in which our expected jet fuel volume consumed affects our jet fuel purchase line item therein. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of our outstanding U.S. Gulf Coast Jet fuel 54 Asian call options was Ps.867.8 million, which was presented as part of the financial assets line item of our consolidated statement of financial position. As of December 31, 2016, the hedging costs attributable to extrinsic value changes in these options as recognized in other comprehensive income totaled Ps.218 million. They were, and will be, recycled to our fuel cost throughout 2017 and until 2018, as these options expire on a monthly basis.

 

(ii) Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. Our exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to our operating activities (when revenue or expense is denominated in a different currency than pesos). Exchange exposure relates to amounts payable arising from U.S. dollar-denominated and U.S. dollar-linked expenses and payments. To mitigate this risk, we may use foreign exchange derivative financial instruments.

 

    During the years ended on December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Company did not enter into exchange rate derivatives financial instruments.

 

  Our foreign exchange exposure as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 was a net asset position of U.S. $234.0 million, U.S. $390.1 million and U.S. $584.5 million, respectively.

 

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(iii) Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Our exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to our long-term debt and lease obligations with floating interest rates. As of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, we had outstanding hedging contracts in the form of interest rate swaps with fair value of Ps.83.5 million, Ps.55.8 million and Ps.14.1 million, respectively. These instruments are included as liabilities in our consolidated statement of financial position. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the reported loss on the instruments was Ps.39.6 million, Ps.46.5 million and Ps.48.8 million, respectively, which was recognized as a portion of the rental expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

The table below presents the payments required by our financial liabilities:

 

     Year ended December 31, 2016  
     Within one
Year
     One to five
Years
     In five
Years or
more
     Total  
     (In thousands of pesos)  

Interest-bearing borrowings

           

Pre-delivery payment facilities

     328,845        943,046        —          1,271,891  

Short-term working capital facilities

     716,290        —          —          716,290  

Derivative financial instruments

           

Interest rate swaps

     14,144        —          —          14,144  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,059,279        943,046        —          2,002,325  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Taxes. We account for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred taxes are recorded based on differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities and available tax loss and credit carry-forwards. In assessing our ability to realize deferred tax assets, our management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining future taxable income on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. At December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 we had tax loss carry-forwards amounting to Ps.1.7 billion, Ps.194.5 million and Ps.111.1 million, respectively. These losses relate to our and our subsidiaries’ operations on a stand-alone basis, which in conformity with current Mexican Income Tax Law may be carried forward against taxable income generated in the succeeding ten years and may not be used to offset taxable income elsewhere in our consolidated group. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 we used tax-loss carry-forwards of Ps.424.5 million, Ps.1.6 billion and Ps.195.1 million, respectively.

Central America (Guatemala and Costa Rica)

According to Guatemala corporate income tax law, under the regime on profits from business activities net operating losses cannot offset taxable income in prior or future years. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we obtained a net operating loss which has not been recognized as a deferred tax asset. We recognized Ps. 17.2 million of recoverable deferred taxes due to the carryforward tax loss in Costa Rica.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The carrying value of rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable and the cumulative impairment losses are shown as a reduction in the carrying value of rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment.

We record impairment charges on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired or when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use.

The value in use calculation is based on a discounted cash flow model, using our projections of operating results for the near future. The recoverable amount of long-lived assets is sensitive to the uncertainties inherent in the preparation of projections and the discount rate used in the calculation.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, no impairment charges were recorded in respect of our long-lived assets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts receivables is established when there is objective evidence that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. At December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the allowance for doubtful accounts was Ps.27.8 million, Ps.24.6 million and Ps.19.3 million, respectively.

 

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Operating Revenues

2015 compared to 2016

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2015     2016     Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for % and operating data)  

Operating Revenues

    

Passenger

     14,130,365       17,790,130       3,659,765        25.9

Non-ticket

     4,049,339       5,722,321       1,672,982        41.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total operating revenues

     18,179,704       23,512,451       5,332,747        29.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Operating Data

    

Capacity (in ASMs in thousands)

     14,052,298       16,703,949       2,651,651        18.9

%Load factor booked

     82     86        4.0p

Booked passengers (in thousands)

     11,983       15,005       3,022        25.2

Average ticket revenue per booked passenger

     1,181       1,189       8        0.7

Average non-ticket revenue per booked passenger

     338       381       43        12.9

Revenue passenger miles (RPMs in thousands)

     11,561,859       14,325,898       2,764,039        23.9

Passenger Revenue. The 25.9% increase in passenger revenue in 2016 was primarily due to growth in ASM capacity resulting from the incorporation of 13 new net aircraft and our demand stimulation strategies. Our traffic as measured in terms of RPMs increased by 23.9% in 2016, also resulted from the increase in our fleet size. Additionally, our average ticket revenue per booked passenger increased 0.7% year over year.

Non-ticket Revenue. The 41.3% increase in non-ticket revenue in 2016 was primarily due to higher volume of passengers electing to purchase non-ticket items. Additionally, we continued executing our fare unbundling and demand stimulation strategies.

2014 compared to 2015

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014     2015     Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for % and operating data)  

Operating Revenues

    

Passenger

     11,303,327       14,130,365       2,827,038        25.0

Non-ticket

     2,733,415       4,049,339       1,315,924        48.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total operating revenues

     14,036,742       18,179,704       4,142,962        29.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

Operating Data

    

Capacity (in ASMs in thousands)

     11,829,865       14,052,298       2,222,433        18.8

%Load factor booked

     82     82     —          0.1p

Booked passengers (in thousands)

     9,809       11,983       2,174        22.2

Average ticket revenue per booked passenger

     1,152       1,181       29        2.5

Average non-ticket revenue per booked passenger

     279       338       59        21.3

Revenue passenger miles (RPMs in thousands)

     9,722,538       11,561,859       1,839,321        18.9

Passenger Revenue. The 25.0% increase in passenger revenue in 2015 was primarily due to growth in ASM capacity resulting from the incorporation of six new net aircraft. Our traffic as measured in terms of RPMs increased by 18.9% in 2015, also resulted from the increase in our fleet size. Additionally, our average ticket revenue per booked passenger increased 2.5%.

Non-ticket Revenue. The 48.1% increase in non-ticket revenue in 2015 was primarily due to the higher volume of passengers electing to purchase non-ticket items. Additionally, we continued implementing dynamic pricing strategies and launching new products, such as a fast pass and rental car on board.

 

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Operating Expenses, net

2015 compared to 2016

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2015      2016      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Other operating income

     (193,155      (496,742      (303,587      >100

Fuel

     4,721,108        5,741,403        1,020,295        21.6

Aircraft and engine rent expense

     3,525,336        5,590,058        2,064,722        58.6

Landing, take-off and navigation expenses

     2,595,413        3,272,051        676,638        26.1

Salaries and benefits

     1,902,748        2,419,537        516,789        27.2

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

     1,088,805        1,413,348        324,543        29.8

Maintenance expenses

     874,613        1,344,110        469,497        53.7

Other operating expenses

     697,786        952,452        254,666        36.5

Depreciation and amortization

     456,717        536,543        79,826        17.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses, net

     15,669,371        20,772,760        5,103,389        32.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses, net increased 32.6% in 2016 primarily as a result of growth of operations and other factors described below.

Other Operating Income. Other operating income increased Ps.303.6 million or >100% in 2016, primarily because of a higher number of sale and leaseback transactions, which resulted in higher profit realized during 2016.

Fuel. Fuel expense increased 21.6% in 2016 as a result of an increase in the average fuel cost per gallon of 1.4% and an increase in fuel gallons consumed of 19.9% which, in turn, was primarily due to more aircraft in operation and a 15.8% increase in our departures.

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we entered into Asian call options contracts. These instruments also qualify for hedge accounting. As a result, during 2016, their extrinsic value of Ps.305.2 million was recycled to the cost of fuel.

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into US Gulf Coast Jet Fuel 54 swaps positions, which were accounted for as cash flow hedges that gave rise to a loss of Ps.128.3 million. All of the US Gulf Coast Jet Fuel 54 swaps positions matured on June 30, 2015, and therefore there was no balance outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

Aircraft and Engine Rent Expense. Aircraft and engine rent expense increased 58.6%. This increase was primarily driven by: (i) an increase in our supplemental and contingent rent of Ps.853.7 million, (ii) the depreciation of approximately 17.7% of the average exchange rate of the peso against the U.S. dollar, which negatively affected our aircraft rent in peso terms in an amount of Ps.508.8 million, (iii) higher aircraft and engine rent expenses related to 13 new net aircraft and three new engines of Ps.475.1 million, and (iv) an increase of Ps.263.6 million relating to the full year operation of the seven new A320 aircraft received during the year ended December 31, 2015. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in other rent expenses of Ps.36.2 million.

Landing, Take-off and Navigation Expenses. The 26.1% increase in landing, take-off and navigation expenses in 2016 was primarily due to a 6.6% increase in the number of airports served. In addition, our operations as measured by number of departures increased by 15.8%. These increases were partially offset by incentives received from certain airport groups as a result of the growth of our operations.

Salaries and Benefits. The 27.2% increase in salaries and benefits in 2016 was primarily the result of a 37.7% increase in our total number of employees, which were required for our increased operations and fleet size. Additionally, the variable compensation of our workforce increased also due to the increased operations recorded during 2016. See Item 6: “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Employees.”

Sales, Marketing and Distribution Expenses. The 29.8% increase in sales, marketing and distribution expenses was primarily due to the increase of 29.3% in operating revenues and additional marketing expenses related to our efforts to promote the new routes.

Maintenance Expenses. The 53.7% increase in maintenance expenses in 2016 was the result of a 23.2% increase in the size of our fleet due to the addition of 13 new net aircraft in 2016. Additionally, during 2016, our maintenance expenses on a peso basis increased due to the depreciation of approximately 17.7% in the average exchange rate of the peso against the U.S. dollar during 2016.

Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses increased 36.5%. This increase was primarily the result of additional administrative support expenses and technical and communication support required for the growth of our operations.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased 17.5% in 2016 primarily due to the amortization of major maintenance events associated with the aging of our fleet. The cost of the major maintenance events is accounted for under the deferral method. During 2016 and 2015, we recorded amortization of major maintenance leasehold improvements of Ps.404.7 million and Ps.352.9 million, respectively.

2014 compared to 2015

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014      2015      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Other operating income

     (22,107      (193,155      (171,048      >100 

Fuel

     5,363,864        4,721,108        (642,756      (12.0 %) 

Aircraft and engine rent expense

     2,534,522        3,525,336        990,814        39.1

Landing, take-off and navigation expenses

     2,065,501        2,595,413        529,912        25.7

Salaries and benefits

     1,576,517        1,902,748        326,231        20.7

Sales, marketing and distribution expenses

     817,281        1,088,805        271,524        33.2

Maintenance expenses

     664,608        874,613        210,005        31.6

Other operating expenses

     489,938        697,786        207,848        42.4

Depreciation and amortization

     342,515        456,717        114,202        33.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses, net

     13,832,639        15,669,371        1,836,732        13.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses, net increased 13.3% in 2015 primarily as a result of the growth of our operations and other factors described below.

Other Operating Income. Other operating income increased Ps.171.0 million or >100% in 2015, primarily because of higher profit margins from sale and lease back transactions compared to 2014.

Fuel. Fuel expense decreased 12.0% in 2015 as a result of a decrease in the average fuel cost per gallon of 25.7%. This decrease was partially offset by an increase 18.4% in the fuel gallons consumed due to the increase in our fleet.

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we entered into fuel swap contracts that gave rise to a loss of Ps.128.3 million and Ps.85.7 million, respectively. These instruments qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, the effects of the hedges were presented as part of the cost of the fuel.

Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we entered into Asian call options contracts. These instruments also qualify for hedge accounting. As a result, during 2015, their extrinsic value of Ps.112.7 million was recycled to the cost of fuel.

Aircraft and Engine Rent Expense. Aircraft and engine rent expense increased 39.1%. This increase was primarily driven by: (i) an increase of Ps.246.9 million in rent expense relating to seven new A320 aircraft, (ii) an increase of Ps.279.4 relating to the full year operation of the new A320 aircraft received during the year ended December 31, 2015, (iii) the depreciation of approximately 19.22% of the average exchange rate of the peso against the U.S. dollar, negatively affecting our aircraft rent in peso terms in an amount of Ps.353.6 million, and (iv) an increase in our supplemental and contingent rent of Ps.192.1 million. These increases were partially offset by: (i) a Ps.74.0 million decrease related to the redelivery of one aircraft to the lessors, and (ii) other rent expenses of Ps.7.2 million.

Landing, Take-off and Navigation Expenses. The 25.7% increase in landing, take-off and navigation expenses in 2015 was primarily due to a 15.1% increase in the number of airports served. In addition, our operations as measured by number of departures increased by 17.8%. These increases were partially offset by incentives received from certain airport groups as a result of our increased operations.

Salaries and Benefits. The 20.7% increase in salaries and benefits in 2015 was primarily the result of 17.8% increase in our total employees, which were required for our increased operations and fleet size. Additionally, the variable compensation of our workforce increased also due to the increased operations recorded during 2015. See Item 6: “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Employees.”

Sales, Marketing and Distribution Expenses. The 33.2% increase in sales, marketing and distribution expenses was primarily due to the increase of 29.5% in operating revenues and additional marketing expenses related to our efforts to promote the new routes.

Maintenance Expenses. The 31.6% increase in maintenance expenses in 2015 was the result of a 12% increase in the size of our fleet due to the addition of six net aircraft in 2015. Additionally, maintenance expenses also increased as a result of the aging of our fleet (4.6 years as of December 31, 2015), which requires more comprehensive work during routine scheduled maintenance, as well as the timing of the maintenance checks performed during 2015 as compared to 2014. During 2015, our maintenance expenses on a peso basis increased due to the depreciation of approximately 19.2% in the average exchange rate of the peso against the U.S. dollar during 2015.

 

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Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses increased 42.4%. This increase was primarily the result of (i) additional administrative support expenses related to the expansion of our flight operations and (ii) additional technical and communication support required to the growth of our operations.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased 33.3% in 2015 primarily due to the amortization of major maintenance events associated with the aging of our fleet, the cost of which is accounted for under the deferral method. During 2015 and 2014, we recorded as amortization of major maintenance leasehold improvement costs Ps.352.9 million and Ps.253.4 million, respectively.

Operating Results

2015 compared to 2016

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2015      2016      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Operating Results

           

Total operating revenues

     18,179,704        23,512,451        5,332,747        29.3

Total operating expenses, net

     15,669,371        20,772,760        5,103,389        32.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Operating income

     2,510,333        2,739,691        229,358        9.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Operating Income. As a result of the factors outlined above, our operating income was Ps.2.7 billion in 2016, a 9.1% increase compared to our operating income of Ps.2.5 billion in 2015.

2014 compared to 2015

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014      2015      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Operating Results

           

Total operating revenues

     14,036,742        18,179,704        4,142,962        29.5

Total operating expenses, net

     13,832,639        15,669,371        1,836,732        13.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Operating income

     204,103        2,510,333        2,306,230        >100 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Operating Income. As a result of the factors outlined above, our operating income was Ps.2.5 billion in 2015, a 100% increase compared to our operating income of Ps.204.1 million in 2014.

Financial Results

2015 compared to 2016

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2015      2016      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Financing Results

           

Finance income

     47,034        102,591        55,557        >100

Finance cost

     (21,703      (35,116      (13,413      61.8

Exchange gain, net

     966,554        2,169,505        1,202,951        >100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total financing results

     991,885        2,236,980        1,245,095        >100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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Total Financing Results. The variation in financing results was primarily due to the increase in our exchange gain. This exchange gain resulted from the significant 20.1% depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar, since we maintained a net asset position of U.S. $584.5 million in 2016. Our U.S. dollar net asset position mainly resulted from the value of our cash and cash equivalents, security deposits and aircraft maintenance deposits. Additionally, our finance income increased Ps.55.6 million, mainly due to an increase in our cash and equivalents during the year ended December 31, 2016, and consequently, an increase in short-term investments.

2014 compared to 2015

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014      2015      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Financing Results

           

Finance income

     23,464        47,034        23,570        >100 

Finance cost

     (32,335      (21,703      10,632        (32.9 %) 

Exchange gain, net

     448,672        966,554        517,882        >100 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total financing results

     439,801        991,885        552,084        >100 % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total Financing Results. The variation in financing results was primarily due to our exchange gain. This exchange gain resulted from the significant 16.91% depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar since we maintained a net asset position of U.S. $390.1 million in 2015. Our U.S. dollar net asset position mainly resulted from our aircraft maintenance deposits paid to the lessors. Additionally, our finance income increased Ps.23.6 million, due to an increase in short-term investments.

Income Tax Expense and Net Income

2015 compared to 2016

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2015      2016      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Net income

           

Income before income tax

     3,502,218        4,976,671        1,474,453        42.1

Income tax expense

     (1,038,348      (1,457,182      (418,834      40.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net income

     2,463,870        3,519,489        1,055,619        42.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

We recorded net income of Ps.3.5 billion in 2016 compared to a net income of Ps.2.5 billion in 2015. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had tax loss carry-forwards amounting to Ps.111.1 million and Ps.194.5 million, respectively. These losses relate to our operations, which in conformity with current Mexican Income Tax Law may be carried forward and used to offset taxable income generated in the succeeding ten years. The effective tax rate during 2015 and 2016 was of 29.7% and 29.3%, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 we used Ps.195.1 million and Ps.1.6 billion, respectively, in available tax loss carry-forwards.

2014 compared to 2015

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014      2015      Variation  
     (In thousands of pesos, except for %)  

Net income

           

Income before income tax

     643,904        3,502,218        2,858,314        >100 

Income tax expense

     (38,720      (1,038,348      (999,628      >100 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Net income

     605,184        2,463,870        1,858,686        >100 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

We recorded net income of Ps.2.4 billion in 2015 compared to a net income of Ps.605.2 million in 2014. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had tax loss carry-forwards amounting to Ps.194.5 million and Ps.1.7 billion, respectively. These losses relate to our operations, which in conformity with current Mexican Income Tax Law may be carried forward and used to offset taxable income generated in the succeeding ten years. The effective tax rate during 2014 and 2015 was of 6.0% and 29.7%, respectively.

 

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The increase in the effective tax rate was due to a higher tax profit recorded during the year, which was partially offset by the amortization of tax losses by an amount of Ps. 2,500 million. Up to December 2014, tax losses had been considered as a deferred tax asset.

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 we used Ps.1.6 billion and Ps.424.5 million, respectively, in available tax loss carry-forwards.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operations, with our primary uses of liquidity being working capital and capital expenditures.

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2014      2015      2016  
     (In thousands of pesos)  

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

     333,783        3,069,613        978,732  

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (1,184,968      (601,277      (27,958

Net cash flows provided by financing activities

     524,704        65,086        10,765  

In recent years, we have been able to meet our working capital requirements through cash from our operations. Our capital expenditures consist primarily of the acquisition of rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment, including pre-delivery payments for aircraft acquisitions. From time to time, we finance pre-delivery payments related to our aircraft with revolving lines of credit with the commercial banks. We have obtained committed financing for pre-delivery payments in respect of all the aircraft to be delivered through 2020.

Our cash and cash equivalents increased by Ps.1.9 billion, from Ps.5.2 billion at December 31, 2015 to Ps.7.1 billion at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, we had available credit lines totaling Ps.6.9 billion, of which Ps.5.0 billion were related to financial debt and Ps.1.9 billion were related to letters of credit (Ps.3.7 billion were undisbursed). At December 31, 2015, we had available credit lines totaling Ps.3.0 billion, of which Ps.1.8 billion were related to financial debt and Ps.1.2 billion were related to letters of credit (Ps.680.4 million were undisbursed).

We have an investment policy to optimize the performance and ensure availability of, and minimize the risk associated with, the investment of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Such policy provides for guidelines regarding minimum balance, currency mix, instruments, deadlines, counterparties and credit risk. At December 31, 2016, 87% of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were denominated in U.S. dollars and 13% were denominated in pesos. See note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities. We rely primarily on cash flows from operating activities to provide working capital for current and future operations. Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled Ps.978.7 million and Ps.3.1 billion in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in payments of guarantee deposits and prepaid expenses in 2016 as compared to 2015.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled Ps.3.1 billion and Ps.333.8 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase in our operating profits in 2015 as compared to 2014.

Net cash flows used in investing activities. During 2016, net cash flow used in investing activities totaled Ps.28.0 million, which consisted primarily of pre-delivery payments for aircraft and engine acquisitions totaling Ps.1.3 billion, partially offset by pre-delivery payments reimbursements totaling Ps.1.7 billion. Additionally, we recorded other capital expenditures relating to aircraft parts and rotable spare parts acquisitions, intangible assets and major maintenance costs, net of disposals of Ps.416.0 million.

During 2015, net cash flow used in investing activities totaled Ps.601.3 million, which consisted primarily of pre-delivery payments for aircraft acquisitions totaling Ps.835.5 million, partially offset by pre-delivery payments reimbursements totaling Ps.669.7 million. Additionally, we recorded other capital expenditures relating to aircraft parts and rotable spare parts acquisitions, intangible assets and major maintenance costs, net of disposals of Ps.435.5 million.

During 2014, net cash flow used in investing activities totaled Ps.1.2 billion, which consisted primarily of pre-delivery payments for aircraft acquisitions totaling Ps.906.1 million, partially offset by pre-delivery payments reimbursements totaling Ps.395.6 million. Additionally, we recorded other capital expenditures relating to aircraft parts and rotable spare parts acquisitions and major maintenance costs, net of disposals of Ps.674.5 million.

 

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Net cash flows provided by financing activities. During 2016, net cash flows provided by financing activities totaled Ps.10.8 million, which consisted primarily of proceeds from disbursements under our revolving credit facility with Banco Santander and Bancomext of Ps.1.0 billion, and additional short-term working capital facilities with Banco Nacional de México, S.A. and Bank of America México, S.A. of Ps.716.0 million; which were partially offset by payments of aircraft financing pre-delivery payments for a net amount of Ps.1.5 billion, other financing payments of Ps.134.7 million and interest paid of Ps.39.4 million.

During 2015, net cash flows provided by financing activities totaled Ps.65.1 million, which consisted primarily of proceeds from disbursements under our revolving credit facility with Banco Santander and Bancomext totaling Ps.924.6 million and proceeds from exercised treasury shares of Ps.23.5 million, partially offset by payments of aircraft financing pre-delivery payments for an aggregate net amount of Ps.801.3 million, interest paid of Ps.41.5 million and other minor financing payments totaling Ps.40.1 million.

During 2014, net cash flows provided by financing activities totaled Ps.524.7 million, which consisted primarily of proceeds from new disbursements under our revolving credit facility with Banco Santander and Bancomext totaling Ps.965.9 million, partially offset by payments of aircraft financing pre-delivery payments for an aggregate net amount of Ps.399.8 million, interest paid of Ps.23.2 million and other minor financing payments totaling Ps.18.2 million.

Loan Agreements

The revolving credit facility with Banco Santander México and Bancomext, dated July 27, 2011 as amended and restated on August 1, 2013 and as further amended on February 28, 2014 and November 27, 2014, under which we are a guarantor, provides financing for pre-delivery payments in connection with our purchase of nineteen A320 aircraft. On August 25, 2015, we entered into an additional amendment to such loan agreement to finance pre-delivery payments of eight additional A320 aircraft. Finally, we entered into one further amendment to this loan agreement on November 30, 2016, to finance the pre-delivery payments for the twenty-two remaining A320 aircraft under the Airbus purchase agreement.

The aggregate principal amount of this revolving line is for up to U.S. $199.6 million, of which U.S. $113.1 million is provided by Banco Santander México and U.S. $86.5 million by Bancomext. This revolving credit facility bears annual interest at three-month LIBOR plus a spread according to the contractual conditions of each disbursement in a range of 1.99 to 2.25 percentage points. The final maturity is on May 31, 2021. Any principal repaid may be re-borrowed until October 31, 2020. This revolving line of credit may limit our ability to, among others, declare and pay dividends in the event that we fail to comply with the payment terms thereunder, dispose of certain assets, incur indebtedness and create certain liens.

In December 2016, we entered into two short-term working capital facilities: the first with Bank of America México, S.A. Institución de Banca Múltiple in the amount of U.S. $15.0 million, bearing annual interest at one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 1.60 percentage points, and the other with Banco Nacional de México S.A. in the amount of Ps.406.3 million, bearing annual interest at TIIE 28 days plus a spread of 0.80 percentage points (the Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate (tasa de interés interbancaria de equilibrio) or the TIIE).

As of December 31, 2016, we were current with principal and interest payments as well as in compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit facility and short-term working capital facilities.

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

We have registered the trademark “Volaris” with the trademark office in Mexico and the United States. We have also registered several additional trademarks and slogans with the trademark office in Mexico.

We operate software products under licenses from our vendors, including Jeppesen Systems AB and Navitaire LLC. Under our agreements with Airbus, we use Airbus’ proprietary information to maintain our aircraft.

D. Trend Information

See Item 5: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Trends and Uncertainties Affecting our Business”

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None of our operating lease obligations are reflected on our statements of financial position. We are responsible for all maintenance, insurance and other costs associated with operating these aircraft; however, we have not made any residual value guarantee to our lessors.

 

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F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth certain contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016:

 

    Contractual Obligations
Payments due by Period
 
    Total     Less than 1
year
    1 to 3 years     3 to 5 years     More than
5 years
 
    (In thousands of pesos)  

Debt(1)

    1,994,283       1,051,237       785,022       158,024       —    

Operating lease obligations(2)

    35,700,045       4,795,923       9,297,224       8,666,500       12,940,398  

Flight equipment, spare engines and spare parts purchase obligations(3)

    6,515,893       1,615,828       4,369,175       530,890       —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total future payments on contractual obligations

    44,210,221       7,462,988       14,451,421       9,355,414       12,940,398  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes scheduled interest payments.
(2) Does not include maintenance deposit payments because they depend on the utilization of the aircraft.
(3) Our contractual purchase obligations consist primarily of aircraft and engine acquisitions through manufacturers and aircraft leasing companies. In December 2011, we signed an amendment to our purchase agreement with Airbus for an additional order of 44 A320 family aircraft for delivery between 2014 and 2020.

Committed expenditures for these aircraft, spare engines, spare parts and related flight equipment, including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations of pre-delivery payments, will be approximately Ps.6.5 billion from 2017 to 2020.

In 2017, we expect our capital expenditures, excluding pre-delivery payments, to be Ps.1.8 billion, consisting primarily of aircraft parts and rotable spare parts, construction and improvements to leased assets, and major maintenance costs (leasehold improvements to flight equipment recorded into rotable spare parts furniture and equipment, net).

 

G. Safe Harbor

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6 DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

Board of Directors

Our by-laws provide that the board of directors be comprised of no more than 21 members and their corresponding alternates, in which at least 25% of the members and their corresponding alternates are required to be independent pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law. A determination about independence must be made by our shareholders and it may be challenged by the CNBV. As of the date of this annual report, our board of directors is comprised of 11 principal members, of which 45.45% are independent and three of which have been appointed by our Series B shareholders.

Under our by-laws, Series B shareholders will have the right to appoint three directors as long as the Series B shares represent at least 12% of Volaris’ outstanding capital stock. If the Series B shares, which are convertible into Series A Shares, represent less than 12% of our outstanding capital stock, the right to appoint directors by Series B shareholders will be based on the Mexican Securities Market Law.

Under our by-laws and the Mexican Securities Market Law, any shareholder or group of shareholders representing 10% of Volaris’ outstanding capital stock, have the right to appoint one director for each such 10% ownership stake.

Set forth below are the name, age, position and biographical description of each of our directors as of the date of this report. The business address of our directors is that of our principal office.

 

Name

  Age   

Title

  

Alternate*

Alfonso González Migoya

  72    Independent Director and Chairman of the Board   

Brian H. Franke

  53    Director    Andrew Broderick

William A. Franke

  80    Director    John R. Wilson

Harry F. Krensky

  53    Director    Carlos Miguel Mendoza Valencia

Roberto José Kriete Ávila

  64    Director    Rodrigo Salcedo Moore

Stanley L. Pace

  63    Independent Director   

 

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Name

  Age   

Title

  

Alternate*

William Dean Donovan

  55    Independent Director    Rodolfo Montemayor Garza

Enrique Javier Beltranena Mejicano

  54    Director    Marco Baldocchi Kriete

José Luis Fernández Fernández

  57    Independent Director    José Carlos Silva Sánchez-Gavito

Joaquín Alberto Palomo Déneke

  66    Independent Director    José Carlos Silva Sánchez-Gavito

John A. Slowik

  66    Independent Director    José Carlos Silva Sánchez-Gavito

 

* Alternate directors are authorized to act on behalf of their respective directors in the event of such directors’ inability to attend board meetings.

Alfonso González Migoya has been one of our directors and chairman of the board since November 2014. He is also a director at FEMSA, Coca Cola FEMSA, Bolsa Mexicana de Valores and Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), among others. Previously, Mr. González was chairman and chief executive officer of Grupo Industrial Saltillo, chief executive officer of Servicios Interpuerto Monterrey, held different senior roles in Grupo ALFA and was executive vice president and chief financial officer of senior executive Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer. Mr. González holds a Bachelor of Science in Electromechanical Engineering from ITESM and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Brian H. Franke has been one of our directors since 2010. Mr. Franke has previously been a member of the board of directors of Tiger Airways Holdings (Singapore) since 2008 and Tiger Airways Australia since May 2009. Currently, he is a principal specializing in aviation investments with Indigo Partners LLC, a private equity firm based in the United States. He is also a member of the board of directors of Frontier. Prior to that, Mr. Franke was vice president of Franke & Company Inc., a boutique private equity firm focused on small and medium enterprises investments. He was also a director in marketing for Anderson Company, a U.S. real estate developer, from 1989 to 1992 and a marketing manager for United Brands Inc., a U.S. distribution and licensing company for consumer goods, from 1987 to 1989. Mr. Franke holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Arizona and a Masters of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. He is William A. Franke’s son.

William A. Franke has been one of our directors since 2010. He is also a member of the board of directors of Wizz Air Holdings Plc (Hungary). He is currently the managing member of Indigo Partners LLC (since 2002) and a managing partner of Newbridge Latin America L.P. (since 1996), both of which are private equity firms. Mr. Franke is chairman of the board of directors of Frontier and JetSmart Airlines (Chile) and was the founding chairman of Tiger Airways Holdings (Singapore), a member of the board of directors of Spirit and the chief executive officer/chairman of America West Airlines from 1993 to 2001. He is also a member of the board of directors of Falcon Acquisitions Group, Inc. Mr. Franke has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University. He also has an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University awarded in 2008. He is Brian H. Franke’s father.

Harry F. Krensky has been one of our directors since our founding. He is also a member of the board of directors of transportation company Traxion, hospital operator H+ABC (SISI) and education company AMCO International. Mr. Krensky is managing partner of the private equity firms Discovery Americas and Discovery Air. Previously, he was a founder of emerging market hedge fund managers Discovery Capital Management and Atlas Capital Management, and a founder of Deutsche Bank’s emerging market hedge fund. He has also served as an adjunct professor of international business at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Colby College. Mr. Krensky has a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College, a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Master of Business Administration from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

Roberto José Kriete Avila was a founder of Volaris and has been one of our directors since 2005. He has an active role in managing private investments in sectors such as aviation, real estate, agribusiness and hotels. Mr. Kriete is also chairman of the board of Aeromantenimiento, S.A., a member of the board of Avianca Holdings, president of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), and a member of the boards of Teléfonos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. and vice chairman of the board of the Agape Foundation in El Salvador and Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios (ESEN). He has also served as a member of the boards of Banco Agrícola of El Salvador, Fundación Empresarial para el Desarrollo Educativo (FEPADE) and Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y el Desarrollo Humano (FUSAL). Mr. Kriete has an undergraduate degree from the University of Santa Clara and a Master of Business Administration from Boston College. He is Marco Baldocchi Kriete’s uncle.

Stanley L. Pace has been one of our directors since April 2017. He is a senior partner and director at Bain & Company where he has served as a member and chairman of most of the company’s key governance boards. Mr. Pace was the founder of the transformation and airline practices at Bain & Company and has led many of the company’s largest and most successful relationships and transformations. For a period of two years in the late 1990s, Mr. Pace became the chief executive officer of ATA. At that time, ATA was the largest charter airline in the world. Mr. Pace received an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Utah where he graduated as valedictorian. He later received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School where he graduated with high distinction.

 

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William Dean Donavan has been one of our directors since 2010 (prior to April 2017, he served as an alternate director). He is a Managing Director of Columbia Equity Partners and is a senior advisor to Discovery Americas, a Mexico City based private equity fund. Mr. Donovan sits on the boards of Prophet Brand Strategy, a marketing consultancy, and Metropolitan Bank. In 2005, he co-founded Volaris along with several other parties. Between 1989 and 2003, Mr. Donovan worked with Bain & Company. He was Managing Director of Bain Africa between 1999 and 2002 and head of Bain’s airline practice and auto practice at various times. He is also an advisor to Stellar Labs, a software company focused on floating fleet optimization and revenue management in the private aviation space. In 2005, Mr. Donovan co-founded Diamond Stream, a SaaS analytics application for the Travel and Entertainment industry. Mr. Donovan has served as chief operating officer of Nimblefish Technologies, a specialized micromarketing agency and as chief executive officer of SearchForce, a paid search workflow management and optimization platform. Mr. Donovan received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California Berkeley, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude, and his Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Enrique Beltranena has been our chief executive officer since March 2006 and one of our directors since September 2016. Previously he worked as Grupo TACA’s chief operating officer, human resources and institutional relations vice president, cargo vice president and commercial director for Mexico and Central America. He also held the position of general director of Aviateca in Guatemala. Mr. Beltranena started his career in the aerospace industry in 1988. During the 1990s, he was responsible for the commercial merger of Aviateca, Sahsa, Nica, Lacsa and TACA Peru, which consolidated them into a single management entity called Grupo TACA. While at Grupo TACA, Mr. Beltranena also led the development of single operating codeshare and the negotiation of open skies bilateral agreements among each of the Central American countries and the United States. In 2001, Mr. Beltranena led Grupo TACA’s complete restructuring as its chief operating officer. Mr. Beltranena was named to the Entrepreneur of The Year Hall of Fame in Monaco after being nominated by Ernst & Young—Innovation in 2012. He was also named Entrepreneur of The Year in Mexico after being nominated by Ernst & Young—Mexico in 2011. He also received the National Order of Merit (Knight’s Badge) from the President of France. Currently Mr. Beltranena serves as Chairman of the Superior Council of the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico and of the IPADE Business School.

José Luis Fernández Fernández has been one of our independent directors since 2012 and he also serves as the chairman of our audit committee. He is also a member of the audit committees of various companies, including Grupo Televisa, S.A.B., Grupo Financiero Banamex and Banco Nacional de Mexico, S.A., and an alternate member of the board of Arca Continental, S.A.B. de C.V. Mr. Fernández is a partner at Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa. Mr. Fernández has a degree in Public Accounting from Universidad Iberoamericana and a certification issued by the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants.

Joaquín Alberto Palomo Déneke has been one of our directors since 2005 and he also serves as a member of our audit committee. He is also a member of the boards of directors of Aeroman and Avianca. Mr. Palomo has over two decades of experience in the financial air transportation and commercial aerospace sectors, where he created and implemented the first organization for Grupo TACA. He also actively participated in the planning, purchasing negotiations, closing, organization and final merger of AVIATECA, Tan/Sahsa, TACA de Honduras, Nica, Lacsa, Isleña de Inversiones, La Costeña, Aeroperlas and Trans American Airlines to form Grupo TACA. Mr. Palomo negotiated the financing of more than $1 billion in aircraft leases, sales and leasebacks. Mr. Palomo has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University.

John A. Slowik has been one of our directors since 2012 and he also serves as a member of our audit committee. He has over three decades of experience in the air transportation and commercial aerospace sectors as a banker at Citi (and its predecessors) and Credit Suisse, where he managed its America’s Airline Industry investment banking practice. His extensive experience includes corporate and investment banking, where his activities involved public and private capital raising, structured debt issuance, aircraft leasing, principal investment and mergers and acquisitions advisory work. Mr. Slowik is also a member of the board of directors of Rotor Engine Securitization, Ltd. and Turbine USA LLC, private commercial jet engine leasing companies operating out of Ireland and the United States, respectively. Mr. Slowik is a board member and chairs the audit committees of two related, but separately incorporated, privately held companies – Quintillion Holdings, LLC and Quintillion Subsea Holdings, LLC. These companies are building and will operate a subsea system connecting Nome, Alaska to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with four landing stations in between, and a terrestrial fiber optic cable system connecting Prudhoe Bay to Fairbanks, Alaska. Mr. Slowik has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University and a Masters in Management from the Kellogg School, Northwestern University.

Senior Management

Our executive officers are appointed by our board of directors, pursuant to a proposal made by our compensation committee, for an indefinite term and may be removed by our board of directors at will, provided the corresponding severance payments are made, if applicable, in accordance with Mexican labor law and the applicable labor contract.

 

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Set forth below are the name, age, position and a description of the business experience of each of our executive officers not described above, as of the date of this annual report. The business address of our executive officers is that of our principal office.

 

Name

   Age   

Title

Enrique Beltranena

   54    Chief Executive Officer

Fernando Suárez

   43    Chief Financial Officer

Jaime Pous

   47    Chief Legal Officer

José Luis Suárez

   49    Chief Operating Officer

Holger Blankenstein

   42    Chief Commercial Officer

Carlos Alberto González

   43    Corporate Control and Compliance Director

Jimmy Zadigue

   44    Internal Audit Director

Fernando Suárez has been our chief financial officer since January 2006. Mr. Suárez worked as an investment banker for Salomon Brothers in New York. Mr. Suárez has been responsible for negotiating pre-delivery payment financing, purchase and leaseback transactions and direct leases for all of our aircraft. Prior to joining us, he worked at Grupo Televisa where he had been director of corporate finance. Mr. Suárez received his Master of Business Administration from University of California, Los Angeles and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM).

Jaime Pous has been our general counsel since January 2013. Prior to joining us, Mr. Pous worked at Grupo Televisa, where he had been legal director from 1999 to 2012. Mr. Pous received his LLM from The University of Texas at Austin, School of Law and holds a law degree from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM).

José Luis Suárez has been our chief operating officer since October 2015. He joined Volaris in early 2006 as sales director. In 2012, he occupied the position of Retail and Customer Service Director, where he supervised the airport operations, ramp management, flight attendants and customer solutions. Prior to joining us, Mr. Suárez Durán worked for ten years at Sabre Holdings. Mr. Suárez Durán received his Masters in Science in Industrial Engineering and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He also holds a degree in Executive Management from IPADE and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (Cum Laude) from the Universidad Iberoamericana.

Holger Blankenstein has been our chief commercial officer since 2009. He heads the areas of sales, marketing, and planning, which includes revenue management, and he also oversees the cargo business. Mr. Blankenstein was responsible for structuring our various channels of distribution and entrance into the U.S. market as well as developing and implementing our unbundled fares and ancillary products. Previously, Mr. Blankenstein was director of strategic development planning at Grupo TACA and was a consultant at Bain & Company. He has a Master’s of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Business degrees from Goethe University in Frankfurt.

Carlos Alberto González has been our corporate control and compliance director since June 2016 and was our corporate control director from June 2010 to May 2016. Currently, he is responsible for accounting, reporting, internal control, revenue assurance, taxes and accounting operations. He has been with us since April 2006. Prior to joining us, he worked as a financial planning and control manager in Mexico and in Spain for Grupo Telefonica Moviles. Additionally, he previously was a senior associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers and an internal auditor analyst at Scotiabank Inverlat. Mr. González is a Certified Public Accountant with a post-graduate degree in Corporate Finance from ISEC University and he also holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Antonio de Nebrija University in Spain.

Jimmy Zadigue has been our internal audit director since April 2011. Previously, Mr. Zadigue worked as the director of operations, finance and administration at Swarovski in Mexico and as the director of finance and business control at Bombardier North America. Mr. Zadigue is also a Certified Management Accountant in Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from HEC-Montreal and a Master of Science degree in Accounting Sciences from the Université du Québec.

Activities of Senior Management

Our chief executive officer and members of our senior management (directivos relevantes) are required to focus their activities on creating value for the company and will be liable for damages to the corporation for: (i) favoring a shareholder or group of shareholders, (ii) approving transactions between the company (or its subsidiaries) with related persons without satisfying legal requirements, such as obtaining a fairness opinion and the approval of our board of directors, on a case-by-case basis, (iii) using (or authorizing a third party to use) our assets in a manner that is against our policies, (iv) making inappropriate use of our non-public information, (v) taking advantage of corporate opportunities or consulting a third party to take advantage of corporate opportunities without approval from our board of directors, (vi) knowingly disclosing or revealing false or misleading information or omitting the disclosure of material information, (vii) ordering that transactions undertaken be omitted from registration, (viii) destroying or modifying company results or information and (ix) filing false or misleading information with the CNBV.

 

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Our chief executive officer is required, primarily, to (i) implement the instructions established at our shareholders’ meeting and that of our board of directors, (ii) submit to the board of directors for approval the principal strategies for the business, (iii) submit to the audit and corporate governance committee proposals for our internal control system, (iv) disclose all material information to the public, (v) comply with applicable law in connection with share repurchases and subsequent purchases, (vii) initiate actions in respect of liabilities caused by us, (viii) comply with applicable law in respect of dividend payments, and (ix) maintain adequate accounting and registration internal control systems and mechanisms.

 

B. Compensation

Director and Executive Compensation

In 2016, the senior managers positions listed in this annual report, received an aggregate compensation of approximately Ps.160.8 million. The chairman and the independent members of our board of directors received an aggregate compensation of approximately Ps.7.8 million, and the rest of the directors received a compensation of Ps.7.3 million.

Our directors or executive officers are not entitled to any benefits upon termination, except for indemnification payments provided under the Mexican Federal Labor Law (Ley Federal del Trabajo), if any.

Long-term Retention Plan

During 2010, we adopted an employee long-term retention plan, the purpose of which is to retain high-performing employees within the organization by paying incentives depending on our performance. During the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 we expensed Ps.6.3 million and Ps.6.5 million respectively, as bonuses as part of the caption salaries and benefits. During 2014, this plan was structured as a long-term incentive plan, which consists of a share purchase plan (equity-settled) and share appreciation rights plan (cash-settled).

Long-term Incentive Plan

Share Purchase Plan

In November 2014, we have established a share purchase plan pursuant to which certain of our key executives were granted a special bonus equal to a fair value of Ps.10.8 million to be used to purchase our shares. In April 2016, an extension to this plan was approved at our annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting, with an effective date in November 2015. The key components of the plan are as follows:

 

  (i) Servicios Corporativos granted a bonus to each key executive.

 

  (ii) Pursuant to the instructions of such key executives, on November 11, 2014, an amount equal to Ps.7.1 million (the fair value of the bonus net of withheld taxes) was transferred to an administrative trust for the acquisition of our Series A shares through an intermediary authorized by the Mexican stock market based on the instructions of the administration trust’s technical committee. An amount equal to Ps.7.5 million (the fair value of the bonus net of withheld taxes) was approved in April 2016 as an extension of this plan for the acquisition of our Series A shares, following the same mechanism.

 

  (iii) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the administrative trust agreement signed in connection thereto, the acquired shares are to be held in escrow in the administrative trust until the applicable vesting period date for each key executive, which is the date as of which each such key executive can fully dispose of the shares as desired.

 

  (iv) If the terms and conditions set forth therein are not meet by the applicable vesting period date, then the shares will be sold in the BMV and Servicios Corporativos will be entitled to receive the proceeds from such sale.

 

  (v) Each key executive’ account balance will be administered by the administrative trustee, whose objective is to manage the shares granted to each key executive based on instructions set forth by the administrative trust’s technical committee.

In April and October 2016, extensions to this share purchase plan were approved by our board of directors. The total cost of the extensions approved was Ps.14.5 million (or Ps.9.5 million, net of withheld taxes) and Ps.11.6 million (or Ps.7.6 million, net of withheld taxes), respectively. Under these extensions, certain of our key employees were granted a special bonus that was transferred to the administrative trust for the acquisition of our Series A shares.

During 2014, 2015 and 2016, we recognized Ps.1.1 million, Ps.6.0 million and Ps.7.8 million, respectively, as compensation expense associated with the share purchase plan in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

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During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, some key employees left the Company; therefore, these employees did not fulfill the vesting conditions. In accordance with the plan, Servicios Corporativos is entitled to receive the proceeds of the sale of such shares. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 86,419 shares were forfeited.

At December 31, 2016, 618,048 shares were held in trust under this share purchase plan as all shares granted remained unvested. Such shares were considered as treasury shares and considered outstanding for diluted earnings per share purposes because the holders are entitled to dividends if and when distributed.

Share Appreciation Rights

On November 6, 2014, November 6, 2015 and November 6, 2016, we granted 4,315,264 SARs, 1,793,459 SARs and 2,044,604 SARs, respectively to key executives. The SARs vest during a three-year period as long as the employee completes the required service period, and entitle them to a cash payment. As of the grant date, the valuation of the SARs granted under this plan totaled Ps.10.8 million, Ps.11.6 million and Ps.14.5 million, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, we made a cash payment to key employees related to the SARs plan of Ps.31.3 million and Ps.31.1 million, respectively. These amounts were determined based on the increase in the share price of the Company between the grant date and the exercisable date of November 2016 and November 2015, respectively.

Management Incentive Plan

In December 2012, our shareholders approved a share incentive plan for the benefit of certain executive officers. Under this plan, designated officers generally may receive up to 3.0% of our capital stock on a fully diluted basis immediately prior to the completion of the related performance condition (consummation of our initial public offering or change of control), exercisable after such performance condition and for a period of ten years. To implement the plan, our shareholders approved (i) the issuance of an aggregate of 25,164,126 Series A and Series B shares, representing 3.0% of our capital stock, (ii) the transfer of such shares to the Management Trust for the benefit of certain officers and (iii) the execution of share sales agreements setting forth the terms and conditions upon which the officers will receive purchased shares from the trustee of the Management Trust.

On December 24, 2012, the Management Trust was created and the share sales agreements were executed. On December 27, 2012, the trust acquired the aforementioned shares. The shares will accrue any dividends paid by us during the time elapsing prior to the delivery to officers upon payment therefore.

On September 18, 2013, the key employees participating in the management incentive plan exercised 4,891,410 shares. As a result, the key employees paid Ps.25.9 million to the trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the company and the trust.

On November 16, 2015, as part of our secondary follow-on equity offering, the key employees exercised 4,414,860 Series A shares. The key employees paid Ps.23.5 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the management trust.

During 2016, the key employees participating in the management incentive plan exercised 3,299,999 Series A shares. The key employees paid Ps.17.5 million to the Management Trust corresponding to the exercised shares. Thereafter, we received from the Management Trust the payment related to the exercised shares by the key employees as a repayment of the loan between the Company and the Management Trust.

At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the shares held in trust to satisfy the management options were considered as treasury shares. As of December 31, 2015 and 2016, 15,857,856 and 12,557,857 share options were vested, respectively.

Management Incentive Plan II

On November 6, 2016, our board of directors approved an extension of the management incentive plan to certain key employees, known as MIP II. Under MIP II, 13,536,960 share appreciation rights of our Series A shares were granted to be settled annually in cash in a period of five years in accordance with the established service conditions. In addition, a five-year extension to the period in which the executives can exercise MIP II once the SARs are vested was also approved.

 

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The fair value of these SARs is estimated at the grant date and at each reporting date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which takes into account the terms and conditions on which the SARs were granted (vesting schedule included in the table above, see Item 5: “Long-term Incentive Plans—Management Incentive Plan II”). The amount of the cash payment is determined based on the increase in our share price between the grant date and the settlement date.

The carrying amount of the liability relating to these SARs as of December 31, 2016 was Ps.54.4 million. The compensation cost is recognized in our consolidated statement of operations under the caption salaries and benefits over the service period. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded Ps.54.4 million associated with these SARs in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

C. Board Practices

Board Practices

The members of our board of directors are elected annually at our ordinary general meeting of shareholders. All board members hold their positions for one year and may be reelected. The current members of the board of directors were reelected or selected pursuant to the unanimous resolutions adopted by our shareholders pr