“Pioneer of Aerial Inclusion”

From the first day that Félix Antelo started at Viva as CEO & President, on May 18, 2018, he focused on getting to know the organization and its people in-depth and to start what would be Viva's largest internationalization process, a change of vision. It was no longer just a matter of 'getting people on airplanes; now the objective would be to democratize the skies in Colombia and Latin America; a paradigm shift that began to transform all the company's processes: operations, international vision, communications, finance, legal aspects, human talent and many more. The goal was aerial inclusion.

Among Félix's greatest strengths is his closeness to his collaborators, constant, two-way, and transparent communication at all times with all Viva audiences, including travelers, suppliers, allies, and of course, employees. He is a leader with a global vision, great international projections, and more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. That brings the company a clear expansion strategy and a resource advantage thanks to the Low-Cost model. Likewise, his commitment to inclusion and gender equality within the organization has allowed talent in Viva to be considered according to the capabilities of each person, making the same opportunities possible for everyone. These qualities have allowed the Low-Cost airline to increasingly position itself in the Colombian and regional markets as a strong, strategic, inclusive, and growing company.

To be a key player in the industry, at Viva, they are committed to digital and technological strategies to optimize resources, seek efficiencies and provide the best service to our travelers. Regarding the digital experience, thanks to the most recent branding re-launch, with the renewed 'Viva,' they made a complete change to the vivaair.com page since the website is the most important direct sales channel of our airline. At the same time, they are committed to ensuring that travelers have everything they need at their fingertips, which is why they are adapting more digital channels to facilitate and enrich travelers' experience by launching the new ‘Viva App’ for mobile devices. From the new app, people have access to almost all the website's functions from the comfort of their mobile device, with easier and faster access to booking and managing their trips.

"We confirmed that our ‘Low-Cost’ model is the correct one, and it has been our best ally during this crisis since efficiency and cost optimization were key milestones to move forward. To be a key player in the industry, at Viva, we are committed to digital and technological strategies to optimize resources, seek efficiencies and provide the best service to our travelers"

On the other hand, the company purchased new A320 aircraft from the Airbus factory, as they seek to have the most modern, technologically advanced, and youngest fleet of aircraft in the region. “Our new A320neo aircraft are more environmentally friendly due to their efficiency in the use of fuel, allowing them to fly more hours, and be more efficient in their operation. Also, we inaugurated the most modern training center for the A320 family in the country in order to improve the standards of operations,” says Félix.

Viva is a Low-Cost airline with differentials in price, punctuality, proximity, and experience that has transformed the airline industry in Colombia thanks to its business model and innovative ideas, enabling the market to 'challenge the status quo and allow people to travel via flight throughout the country and the region. “At Viva, we compete to be an affordable option that adapts to the needs of its users. Therefore, travelers pay only for the additional services they need, allowing them to fly more while paying less,” explains Félix. “In addition, our operational philosophy is centered on punctuality because, at Viva, we understand that one of the people's primary desires is to arrive at their destination on time.”

Their great project in 2021, and the medium and long term, is Viva’s commitment to Medellín HUB, their connection center. “After going through the greatest crisis in commercial aviation in recent years, we confirmed that our ‘Low Cost’ model is the correct one, and it has been our best ally, since efficiency and cost optimization were key milestones to move forward,” says Félix. “Thus we are advancing in our reactivation process, encouraging travelers to fly again and to find in Viva an airline, in addition to being punctual and economical, is a leading company in biosafety standards.” IE