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Volaris Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter 2026

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Volaris (NYSE: VLRS) reported 1Q26 results: total operating revenues $770M (+13.6%), net loss $71M (loss per ADS $0.62), and EBITDAR $177M (−12.8%). CASM rose to 8.85¢ (+12.4%); CASM ex fuel 6.04¢ (+11.9%).

Liquidity remained solid with $766M cash and short-term investments (24.5% of LTM revenue). Fleet totaled 155 aircraft (66% NEO). No full‑year guidance; 2Q26 outlook provided with ASM ~0–2% and TRASM ~9.50¢.

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AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

  • Total operating revenues +13.6% to $770M
  • TRASM +11.0% to 8.62 cents
  • Cash and short-term investments of $766M (24.5% of LTM revenue)
  • Passengers +4.5% to 7.7 million
  • Fleet increased to 155 aircraft; 66% NEO models

Negative

  • Net loss widened to $71M (39.2% increase)
  • CASM increased 12.4% to 8.85 cents
  • CASM ex fuel rose 11.9% to 6.04 cents
  • EBITDAR declined 12.8% to $177M
  • Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR at 3.2x, up from 2.7x
  • Average economic fuel cost up 16.2% to $3.06/gal
  • No full-year 2026 guidance provided

News Market Reaction – VLRS

-1.50%
1 alert
-1.50% News Effect

On the day this news was published, VLRS declined 1.50%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Q1 2026 net loss: $71 million Loss per ADS: $0.62 Total operating revenues: $770 million +5 more
8 metrics
Q1 2026 net loss $71 million First quarter 2026
Loss per ADS $0.62 First quarter 2026
Total operating revenues $770 million Q1 2026, up 13.6% vs Q1 2025
TRASM 8.62 cents Q1 2026, up 11.0% vs Q1 2025
CASM 8.85 cents Q1 2026, up 12.4% vs Q1 2025
EBITDAR $177 million Q1 2026, down 12.8% vs Q1 2025
Cash & investments $766 million As of March 31, 2026 (~24.5% of LTM revenue)
Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR 3.2x As of Q1 2026, up from 2.7x in Q1 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $7.63 Vol: Volume 472,141 vs 20-day ...
normal vol
$7.63 Last Close
Volume Volume 472,141 vs 20-day average 610,878 (relative volume 0.77x) ahead of the earnings release. normal
Technical Price 7.32 trades slightly below the 200-day MA at 7.36, and sits 32.22% under the 52-week high and 109.73% above the 52-week low.

Peers on Argus

Among key ULCC/airline peers, SNCY (+0.06%) and ALGT (+0.57%) were modestly posi...
1 Up

Among key ULCC/airline peers, SNCY (+0.06%) and ALGT (+0.57%) were modestly positive, while ULCC (-2.78%), FLYX (-0.47%) and JBLU (-6.74%) declined. With VLRS down 2.53% pre-release and mixed peer moves, trading appears more stock-specific than a uniform sector rotation.

Common Catalyst Earnings-related catalysts are present in the space, including an earnings webcast headline for peer ULCC.

Previous Earnings Reports

5 past events · Latest: Feb 24 (Neutral)
Same Type Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment Move Catalyst
Feb 24 Q4 2025 earnings Neutral -6.7% Q4 2025 profit with strong EBITDAR margin but full-year net loss and guidance.
Oct 27 Q3 2025 earnings Neutral -2.1% Q3 2025 revenues and income with softer TRASM and margin compression.
Jul 21 Q2 2025 earnings Negative +15.7% Q2 2025 net loss, lower revenue and TRASM but still solid EBITDAR margin.
Apr 28 Q1 2025 earnings Negative -15.8% Q1 2025 net loss with double-digit revenue and TRASM declines and softer load.
Feb 24 Q4 2024 earnings Positive -12.6% Q4 2024 and full-year 2024 profitability with strong EBITDAR and liquidity.
Pattern Detected

Earnings releases have often coincided with downside moves, especially when results or guidance disappointed, with several prior quarters showing negative price reactions despite periods of profitability or strong margins.

Recent Company History

Over the last five earnings cycles, Volaris has alternated between profitability and losses while maintaining solid liquidity and significant EBITDAR margins. Prior results included positive net income in Q4 2024 and Q3 2025, but losses in Q1 and Q2 2025. Cash balances have consistently represented roughly a quarter to a third of LTM revenue, while net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR hovered near 3.1x. These new Q1 2026 results extend the pattern of balancing revenue growth and network expansion against cost pressures and periodic net losses.

Historical Comparison

-4.3% avg move · In the past five earnings releases, VLRS averaged a -4.33% move, often skewing negative even when ma...
earnings
-4.3%
Average Historical Move earnings

In the past five earnings releases, VLRS averaged a -4.33% move, often skewing negative even when margins and liquidity appeared solid.

Earnings results show a shift from 2024 profitability to 2025 net losses, with EBITDAR margins and cash levels remaining relatively strong while leverage, measured by net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR, stayed near the low-3x range.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Q1 2026 revenue growth to $770 million and stronger TRASM of 8.62 cents...
Analysis

This announcement highlights Q1 2026 revenue growth to $770 million and stronger TRASM of 8.62 cents, offset by higher CASM of 8.85 cents and a wider net loss of $71 million. EBITDAR declined to $177 million, while liquidity of $766 million and a net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR ratio of 3.2x frame the balance-sheet position. Investors may watch execution versus Q2 guidance, fuel trends, and how costs evolve relative to TRASM.

Key Terms

ultra-low-cost carrier, ASMs, CASM, CASM ex fuel, +3 more
7 terms
ultra-low-cost carrier technical
"the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serving Mexico, the United States"
An ultra-low-cost carrier is an airline that offers very inexpensive ticket prices by minimizing additional services and cutting costs wherever possible. This business model appeals to budget-conscious travelers and can influence the airline industry’s competitiveness and profitability, making it an important consideration for investors monitoring market trends and consumer preferences.
ASMs technical
"Available seat miles (ASMs) increased by 2% to 8.9 billion"
Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are drugs used to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures and other related neurological conditions. For investors, ASMs matter because their development, approval, patent status and market uptake drive drug company revenues much like a new product line can make or break a consumer brand; clinical trial results and regulatory decisions therefore directly affect a company’s sales prospects and valuation.
CASM financial
"Total operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) increased 12% to 8.85 cents"
CASM is the average operating cost to carry one available seat one mile on an airline, found by dividing total operating expenses by the number of seats flown multiplied by miles. Think of it like the cost to run one seat on a bus for one mile. Investors watch CASM because it shows how efficiently an airline controls costs and how much margin exists between ticket prices and operating expenses, affecting profitability and competitiveness.
CASM ex fuel financial
"CASM ex fuel increased 12% to 6.04 cents"
CASM ex fuel is a measure used by airlines that shows the operating cost to fly one seat one mile after removing the variable cost of fuel, so it highlights the underlying cost efficiency of the business. Investors use it like looking at a company’s budget without the fluctuating energy bill: it makes it easier to compare performance over time and between carriers by isolating management-controlled costs from volatile fuel expenses.
EBITDAR financial
"EBITDAR of $177 million, decreasing by 13%.EBITDAR margin was 22.9%"
EBITDAR stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Rent; it measures a company's operating profit before the cost of financing, taxes, accounting write-downs, and lease or rent payments. For investors, it reveals how much cash a business generates from its core activities without the effects of capital structure or rent commitments — similar to checking how much money a store makes from selling goods before paying for the building, loan interest, or taxes.
ADS financial
"Loss per American Depositary Share (ADS) of 62 cents"
Ads are paid promotional messages a company places across media — online, on TV, in print, or on social platforms — to attract customers, explain products, or shape public perception. For investors, ads matter because they drive sales growth, affect how much a company must spend to win customers, and influence brand strength and long-term value. Ads can also create regulatory or reputational risk if claims are misleading, which can affect profits and stock price.
New Engine Option (NEO) technical
"Of the total fleet, 66% of the aircraft are New Engine Option (NEO) models"
A new engine option (NEO) is an aircraft model variant fitted with upgraded, more fuel-efficient engines and sometimes minor aerodynamic or systems tweaks. For investors, it matters because these upgrades lower operating costs, extend range, reduce emissions and can boost resale value and demand—similar to a car maker offering a model with a more efficient engine that costs less to run and attracts more buyers, which can improve revenue and profit prospects.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

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MEXICO CITY, April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) (“Volaris” or “the Company”), the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serving Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, today reports its unaudited financial results for the first quarter 20261.

Enrique Beltranena, President & Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our first-quarter results reflect disciplined execution, as we strengthened revenue quality, optimized capacity deployment, and maintained cost control in a more challenging fuel environment. Demand remained solid across our network, supported by continued momentum in cross-border markets and strong top-line performance.

We are responding to fuel price volatility with agility, leveraging the flexibility of our model through capacity adjustments, network optimization, and targeted pricing actions, which have been well-absorbed, with demand remaining resilient across our markets. At the same time, we are operating from a position of strength, supported by a more diversified network, a disciplined fleet strategy, and a strong balance sheet.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on prioritizing profitability, supported by continued improvements in fleet productivity as engine availability recovers. We are confident in our ability to adapt to evolving conditions, supported by the flexibility embedded in our operations and fleet plan, while positioning the business for long-term value creation.”

First Quarter 2026 Highlights
(All figures are reported in U.S. dollars and compared to 1Q 2025, unless otherwise noted)

  • Net loss of $71 million. Loss per American Depositary Share (ADS) of 62 cents.
  • Total operating revenues of $770 million, a 14% increase.
  • Total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) stood at 8.62 cents, increasing by 11%.
  • Available seat miles (ASMs) increased by 2% to 8.9 billion.
  • Total operating expenses of $791 million, compared with $688 million in the previous year.
  • Total operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM) increased 12% to 8.85 cents.
  • Average economic fuel cost increased 16% to $3.06 per gallon.
  • CASM ex fuel increased 12% to 6.04 cents.
  • EBITDAR of $177 million, decreasing by 13%.
  • EBITDAR margin was 22.9%, down by 6.9 percentage points.
  • Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $766 million, representing 24% of the last twelve months’ total operating revenue.
  • Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR2 ratio of 3.2x, compared to 3.1x in the previous quarter.

1 The financial information, unless otherwise indicated, is presented in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
2 Includes short-term investments.

First Quarter 2026 Consolidated Financial and Operating Highlights
(All figures are reported in U.S. dollars and compared to 1Q 2025, unless otherwise noted)

 First Quarter
Consolidated Financial Highlights20262025Var.
Total operating revenues (millions)77067813.6%
TRASM (cents)8.627.7611.0%
ASMs (millions, scheduled & charter)8,9408,7372.3%
Load Factor (scheduled, RPMs/ASMs)85.0%85.4%(0.4 pp)
Passengers (thousands, scheduled & charter)7,7507,4184.5%
Fleet (at the end of the period)15514510
Total operating expenses (millions)79168815.0%
CASM (cents)8.857.8812.4%
CASM ex fuel (cents)6.045.4011.9%
Operating loss (EBIT) (millions)(21)(10)>100.0%
% EBIT Margin(2.8%)(1.5%)(1.3 pp)
Net loss (millions)(71)(51)39.2%
% Net loss Margin(9.3%)(7.6%)(1.7 pp)
EBITDAR (millions)177203(12.8%)
% EBITDAR Margin22.9%29.9%(6.9 pp)
Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR33.2x2.7x0.5x
    

Note: Figures are rounded for convenience purposes. Further detail found in financial and operating indicators.

3 Includes short-term investments.

First Quarter 2026
(All figures are reported in U.S. dollars and compared to 1Q 2025, unless otherwise noted)

Total operating revenues for the quarter amounted to $770 million, up by 13.6%.

Total capacity, in terms of available seat miles (ASMs), was 8.9 billion, representing a 2.3% increase.

Booked passengers totaled 7.7 million, a 4.5% increase. Mexican domestic booked passengers increased 1.9%, while international booked passengers increased 11.3%.

TRASM increased 11.0% to 8.62 cents, mainly driven by a 10.0% increase in average base fare, reaching $42, and by a 7.8% increase in total ancillary revenue per passenger, which stood at $57.

Total operating revenue per passenger totaled $99, increasing 8.7%. During the quarter, ancillary revenues represented 57.3% of total operating revenues.

The load factor for the quarter reached 85.0%, representing a 0.4 percentage point decrease.

Total operating expenses were $791 million, compared with $688 million in the previous year.

CASM totaled 8.85 cents, up 12.4%.

The average economic fuel cost increased 16.2% to $3.06 per gallon.

CASM ex fuel stood at 6.04 cents, despite flying fewer ASMs than planned during the quarter and the impact of a stronger Mexican peso, reflecting the translation of peso-denominated costs into U.S. dollars. The 11.9% increase in CASM ex fuel was mainly related to higher maintenance expenses and a higher international mix in ASMs. During the quarter, the Company did not record any sale-and-leaseback gains, with no aircraft deliveries from Airbus.

Comprehensive financing result represented an expense of $68 million, compared to a $66 million expense in the same period of 2025.

Income tax benefit was $18 million, compared with a $25 million benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2025. The Company expects the effective tax rate to be approximately in line with the statutory rate by the end of the fiscal year.

Net loss in the quarter was $71 million, with loss per ADS of 62 cents.

EBITDAR for the quarter reached $177 million, a 12.8% decrease. EBITDAR margin stood at 22.9%, down 6.9 percentage points.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Allocation

As of March 31, 2026, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $766 million, representing 24.5% of the last twelve months' total operating revenue.

Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $251 million. Net cash flow used in investing and financing activities was $34 million and $222 million, respectively.

The financial debt amounted to $659 million, reflecting a 6.3% decrease year-over-year, while total lease liabilities remained essentially flat at $3,162 million.

Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR4 ratio stood at 3.2x, compared to 3.1x in the previous quarter, and 2.7x in the first quarter of 2025.

The average exchange rate for the quarter was Ps.17.57 per U.S. dollar, reflecting a 14.0% appreciation of the Mexican peso. At the end of March, the exchange rate stood at Ps.18.07 per U.S. dollar, compared to Ps. 20.32 per U.S. dollar in the previous year, reflecting an 11.1% appreciation of the Mexican peso.

4 Includes short-term investments.

Full-Year 2026 Guidance

Considering ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and continued fuel price volatility, Volaris is not providing full-year 2026 guidance. The Company will continue to closely monitor developments, as conditions remain dynamic. Volaris remains confident in the underlying strength of the business, the demand across its network, and its ability to execute its strategic initiatives, and will update its outlook as conditions stabilize and visibility improves.

Second Quarter 2026 Guidance

For the second quarter of 2026, the Company expects:

 2Q’262Q’25 (1)
2Q’26 Guidance  
ASM growth (YoY)
TRASM
CASM ex fuel
0% to 2%
~9.50 cents
~6.80 cents
8.7%
7.80 cents
5.69 cents
EBITDAR margin~13%27.9%
Average USD/MXN ratePs. ~17.85Ps. 19.54
Average U.S. Gulf Coast jet fuel price~$4.00$2.01
   

(1) For convenience purposes, actual reported figures for 2Q'25 are included.

The second quarter 2026 outlook presented above includes the compensation that Volaris expects to receive for the projected grounded aircraft resulting from the GTF engine inspections, in accordance with the Company’s agreement with Pratt & Whitney.

The Company's outlook is subject to unforeseen disruptions, macroeconomic factors, or other negative impacts that may affect its business and is based on several assumptions, including the foregoing, which are subject to change and may be outside the control of the Company and its management. The Company's expectations may change if actual results vary from these assumptions. There can be no assurances that Volaris will achieve these results.

Fleet

During the first quarter, the Company’s fleet remained at 155 aircraft, with no additional leased aircraft. At the end of the quarter, Volaris’ fleet had an average age of 6.8 years and an average seating capacity of 200 passengers per aircraft. Of the total fleet, 66% of the aircraft are New Engine Option (NEO) models.

 First QuarterFourth Quarter
Total Fleet20262025Var.2025Var.
CEO     
A319-2(2)
--
A3204344(1)
43-
A3211010-10-
NEO     
A3206455964-
A3213834438-
Total aircraft at the end of the period15514510155-
      

Proposed Airline Group Formation

In December 2025, Volaris announced the proposed formation of a new Mexican airline group with Viva, aimed at expanding access to affordable air travel across the region and strengthening the Mexican aviation industry. The airline group would enable two ultra-low-cost operators with complementary networks and shared customer value propositions to broaden access to point-to-point travel solutions, while retaining their independent operating certificates and brands, preserving existing passenger options. Closing is expected in 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. For more information, please visit www.anunciovivayvolaris.com.

Investors are urged to carefully read the Company’s periodic reports filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission, for additional information regarding the Company.

Investor Relations Contact

Liliana Juárez / ir@volaris.com

Media Contact
Ricardo Flores / rflores@gcya.net

Conference Call Details

Date:Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time:9:00 a.m. Mexico City / 11:00 a.m. New York (USA) (ET)
Webcast link:Volaris Webcast (View the live webcast)
Dial-in & Live Q&A link: Volaris Dial-in and Live Q&A
  1. Click on the call link and complete the online registration form.
  2. Upon registering you will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call, as well as an email confirmation with the details.
  3. Select a method for joining the call:
    1. Dial-In: A dial-in number and unique PIN are displayed to connect directly from your phone.
    2. Call Me: Enter your phone number and click “Call Me” for an immediate callback from the system.

About Volaris

*Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Volaris” or “the Company”) (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) is an ultra-low-cost carrier, with point-to-point operations, serving Mexico, the United States, Central and South America. Volaris offers low base fares to build its market, providing quality service and extensive customer choice. Since the beginning of operations in March 2006, Volaris has increased its routes from 5 to more than 244 and its fleet from 4 to 156 aircraft. Volaris offers more than 500 daily flight segments on routes that connect 46 cities in Mexico and 29 cities in the United States, Central and South America, with one of the youngest fleets in Mexico. Volaris targets passengers who are visiting friends and relatives, cost-conscious business and leisure travelers in Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. For more information, please visit ir.volaris.com. Volaris routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its investor relations website. The Company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Volaris website regularly for important information about Volaris.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent the Company's expectations, beliefs, or projections concerning future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. When used in this release, the words "expects," “intends,” "estimates," “predicts,” "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "believes," "forecast," "guidance," “potential,” "outlook," "may," “continue,” "will," "should," "seeks," "targets" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements describing the Company's objectives, plans or goals, or actions the Company may take in the future are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's outlook, the expectation of receiving certain compensation in connection with the GTF engine removals, and the anticipated execution of its business plan and focus on its 2025 priorities. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee or assurance of future performance or results. They 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 concerning 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. Forward-looking statements are subject to several factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations, including the competitive environment in the airline industry, the Company's ability to keep costs low; changes in fuel costs, the impact of worldwide economic conditions on customer travel behavior; the Company's ability to generate non-ticket revenue; and government regulation. The Company's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings contain additional information concerning these and other factors. 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 release. 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.

Supplemental Information on Non-IFRS Measures

We evaluate our financial performance by using various financial measures that are not performance measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (“non-IFRS measures”). These non-IFRS measures include CASM, CASM ex fuel, EBITDAR, Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR, Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. We define CASM as total operating expenses by available seat mile. We define CASM ex fuel as total operating expenses by available seat mile, excluding fuel expense. We define EBITDAR as earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortization, depreciation of right of use assets and aircraft and engine variable lease expenses. We define Net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR as Net debt divided by LTM EBITDAR. We define Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as the sum of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

These non-IFRS measures are provided as supplemental information to the financial information presented in this release that is calculated and presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) because we believe that they, in conjunction with the IFRS financial information, provide useful information to management’s, analysts and investors overall understanding of our operating performance.

Because non-IFRS measures are not calculated in accordance with IFRS, they should not be considered superior to and are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related IFRS measures presented in this release and may not be the same as or comparable to
similarly titled measures presented by other companies due to possible differences in the method of calculation and the items being adjusted.

We encourage investors to review our financial statements and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in their entirety for additional information regarding the Company and not to rely on any single financial measure.

Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries
Financial and Operating Indicators
    
Unaudited
(U.S. dollars, except otherwise indicated)
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
Three months ended
March 31, 2025
Variance
Total operating revenues (millions)77067813.6%
Total operating expenses (millions)79168815.0%
EBIT (millions)(21)(10)>100.0%
EBIT margin(2.8%)(1.5%)(1.3 pp)
Depreciation and amortization (millions)1741599.4%
Aircraft and engine variable lease expenses (millions)2454(55.6%)
Net loss (millions)(71)(51)39.2%
Net loss margin(9.3%)(7.6%)(1.7 pp)
Loss per share (1):   
Basic(0.06)(0.04)39.7%
Diluted(0.06)(0.04)41.5%
Loss per ADS *:   
Basic(0.62)(0.45)39.7%
Diluted(0.62)(0.44)41.5%
Weighted average shares outstanding:   
Basic1,148,552,9001,149,802,368(0.1%)
Diluted1,148,552,9001,164,583,159(1.4%)
Financial Indicators   
Total operating revenue per ASM (TRASM) (cents) (2)8.627.7611.0%
Average base fare per passenger423910.0%
Total ancillary revenue per passenger (3)57537.8%
Total operating revenue per passenger99918.7%
Operating expenses per ASM (CASM) (cents) (2)8.857.8812.4%
CASM ex fuel (cents) (2)6.045.4011.9%
Operating Indicators   
Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions) (2)8,9408,7372.3%
Domestic4,9225,108(3.6%)
International4,0183,62910.7%
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions) (2)7,6017,4621.9%
Domestic4,3834,536(3.4%)
International3,2192,92610.0%
Load factor (5)85.0%85.4%(0.4 pp)
Domestic89.0%88.8%0.2 pp
International80.1%80.6%(0.5 pp)
Booked passengers (thousands) (2)7,7507,4184.5%
Domestic5,5135,4081.9%
International2,2372,01011.3%
Departures (2)46,61544,5774.6%
Block hours (2)118,916116,1342.4%
Aircraft at end of period15514510
Average aircraft utilization (block hours)12.7013.00(2.3%)
Fuel gallons accrued (millions)81.6481.560.1%
Average economic fuel cost per gallon (6)3.062.6316.2%
Average exchange rate17.5720.42(14.0%)
Exchange rate at the end of the period18.0720.32(11.1%)
*Each ADS represents ten CPOs and each CPO represents a financial interest in one Series A share
 
(1) The basic and diluted loss or earnings per share are calculated in accordance with IAS 33. Basic loss or earnings per share is calculated by dividing net loss or earnings by the average number of shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares). Diluted loss or earnings per share is calculated by dividing net loss or earnings by the average number of shares outstanding adjusted for dilutive effects.(2) Includes scheduled and charter.
(3) Includes “Other passenger revenues” and “Non-passenger revenues”.
(4) Excludes fuel expense, aircraft and engine variable lease expenses and sale
and lease-back gains.
(5) Includes scheduled.
(6) Excludes Non-creditable VAT.


Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
Unaudited
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
Three months ended
March 31, 2025
Variance
Operating revenues:   
Passenger revenues72864512.9 %
Fare revenues32928615.0%
Other passenger revenues39935911.1%
    
Non-passenger revenues423327.3 %
Cargo6520.0%
Other non-passenger revenues362828.6%
    
Total operating revenues77067813.6 %
    
Other operating income(46)(51)(9.8%)
Fuel expense25221716.1%
Aircraft and engine variable lease expenses2454(55.6%)
Salaries and benefits13410428.8%
Landing, take-off and navigation expenses15512227.0%
Sales, marketing and distribution expenses34340.0%
Maintenance expenses332817.9%
Depreciation and amortization5152(1.9%)
Depreciation of right of use assets12310715.0%
Other operating expenses312147.6%
Total operating expenses79168815.0 %
    
Operating loss(21)(10)>100.0%
    
Finance income912(25.0%)
Finance cost(75)(80)(6.3%)
Exchange (loss) gain, net(2)2N/A
Comprehensive financing result(68)(66)3.0 %
    
Loss before income tax(89)(76)17.1 %
Income tax benefit1825(28.0%)
Net loss(71)(51)39.2 %
    
    


Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Total Ancillary Revenue per Passenger        
 
The following table provides additional details about the components of total ancillary revenue for the quarter:
 
Unaudited
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
Three months ended
March 31, 2025
Variance
    
Other passenger revenues39935911.1%
Non-passenger revenues423327.3%
Total ancillary revenues44139212.5 %
    
Booked passengers (thousands) (1)7,7507,4184.5%
    
Total ancillary revenue per passenger57537.8 %
    
(1) Includes scheduled and charter.


Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
 

(In millions of U.S. dollars)
As of March 31, 2026
Unaudited
As of December 31, 2025
Audited
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents746754
Short-term investments2020
Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments(1)766774
Accounts receivable, net250262
Inventories1717
Guarantee deposits285278
Derivative financial instruments14-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets6263
Total current assets1,3941,394
Right of use assets, net2,5262,531
Rotable spare parts, furniture and equipment, net973948
Intangible assets, net3938
Deferred income taxes387360
Guarantee deposits311341
Other long-term assets2425
Total non-current assets4,2604,243
Total assets5,6545,637
Liabilities and equity  
Unearned transportation revenue428361
Accounts payable166192
Accrued liabilities342269
Other taxes and fees payable318269
Income taxes payable-11
Financial debt265262
Lease liabilities489409
Other liabilities80143
Total short-term liabilities2,0881,916
Financial debt394441
Accrued liabilities67
Employee benefits1615
Deferred income taxes1112
Lease liabilities2,6732,744
Other liabilities259238
Total long-term liabilities3,3593,457
Total liabilities5,4475,373
Equity  
Capital stock248248
Treasury shares(13)(13)
Contributions for future capital increases--
Legal reserve1717
Additional paid-in capital284283
Accumulated deficit(197)(126)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(132)(145)
Total equity207264
Total liabilities and equity5,6545,637
   
(1) Non-GAAP measure.


Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – Cash Flow Data Summary
   
Unaudited
(In millions of U.S. dollars)
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
Three months ended
March 31, 2025
   
Net cash flow provided by operating activities251157
Net cash flow used in investing activities(34)(6)
Net cash flow used in financing activities*(222)(212)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(5)(61)
Net foreign exchange differences(3)-
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period754908
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period746847
*Includes aircraft rental payments of $166 million and $152 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and 2025, respectively.

FAQ

What were Volaris (VLRS) 1Q26 revenues and net loss?

Volaris reported $770 million in total operating revenues and a $71 million net loss for 1Q26. According to the company, revenues rose 13.6% year-over-year while net loss widened 39.2% compared with 1Q25, driven by higher expenses and fuel costs.

How did Volaris (VLRS) unit costs change in 1Q26?

CASM increased to 8.85 cents, a 12.4% rise year-over-year. According to the company, CASM ex fuel was 6.04 cents (up 11.9%), driven by higher maintenance and a larger international ASM mix.

What liquidity and leverage metrics did Volaris (VLRS) report for 1Q26?

Volaris held $766 million in cash and short-term investments at quarter-end, equal to 24.5% of LTM revenue. According to the company, net debt-to-LTM EBITDAR was 3.2x, slightly higher than the prior year period.

Did Volaris (VLRS) provide 2026 guidance and what is the 2Q26 outlook?

Volaris did not provide full-year 2026 guidance due to uncertainty, but gave 2Q26 guidance. According to the company, 2Q26 ASM growth is expected ~0–2%, TRASM ~9.50¢, CASM ex fuel ~6.80¢, and average jet fuel ~$4.00/gal.