Innovation, progress, technology, and development are milestones that shape the history of any nation.
In fact, their impact can reach even further. Technology has the power to define eras on a global scale. These steps toward inclusion and modernity are just as important as the influence they leave behind.
Take the printing press, for example—it ushered in an age of books and enlightenment during humanity’s dark ages.
Or the arrival of the internet in our lives, something we’ve grown so dependent on it’s like a newborn needing care.
And on an even more primal level: the discovery of fire. Sure, it may have been accidental, but the truth is, many of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions were born from chance or sheer luck.
In that same spirit, new models introduced by airlines into our ever-evolving world can be just as revolutionary—turning a simple ticket into a line dividing “before” and “after.”
Airlines like Viva Air Perú and LATAM are preparing to launch a new model in Latin America: the low-cost model.
Let’s take a closer look.
The concept of “low-cost” originated with the bold Irish company Irelandia Aviation, creators of several budget-friendly airlines such as Airbuses (operating between Mexico and the U.S.) and Viva Colombia, which now dominates nearly 80% of the passenger traffic between Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport and Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport.
Just as Irelandia Aviation helped launch Viva Colombia, that same airline is now behind the launch of its Peruvian branch, Viva Air Perú, introducing this accessible, clever, and cost-effective model to serve both business travelers and vacationers who prioritize affordability over luxury.
Viva Air Perú plans to roll out this model with tickets priced at just 60 soles, covering seven initial routes: Arequipa, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Lima, Iquitos, Cusco, Piura, and Chiclayo.
However, these 60-sole tickets will apply only to flights lasting around 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that extras like food (snacks and drinks) or carry-on bags over 6kg will carry additional fees.
Flights will officially begin in May, but tickets will be available starting in April, according to José Castellanos Lores, the company’s General Manager, in a statement to the newspaper Gestión.
Airlines are getting ready to welcome travelers for just 60 soles per trip.
Despite some of the limitations mentioned above, traveling at such a low cost will definitely give tourists more economic freedom to explore.
Of course, lower prices come with fewer comforts, scaled-back luxuries, and reduced in-flight tech.
But according to William Shaw, CEO of both Viva Colombia and Viva Air Perú, passenger safety and customer service will remain top priorities.
He also confirmed that this new model will increase tourism flow and overall passenger volume.
“In about 20 days, we’ll receive our operating license. What you currently see on the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC) website are proposed schedules under review for objections. Once that period ends, we’ll be granted full approval,” said Castellanos.
