Jorge Castillo – Volaris

Volaris is a leading Mexican airline group operating three airlines with a mission to make air travel accessible to more people cheaply. Through strategic growth and expansion, the airline has built an air bridge connecting families and friends across borders. Volaris Costa Rica and Volaris El Salvador, certified as national airlines in 2016 and 2021, respectively, are key components of this strategy, allowing the airline to serve underserved markets across the region.

Jorge Castillo, Central and Senior Legal Counsel for South America at Volaris, has always been passionate about aviation. Inspired by his mother’s love for airplanes, he dreamed of becoming a pilot as a child. However, the high cost and limited opportunities in the industry led him to pursue law instead. His career trajectory took a decisive turn when he discovered the intersection of law and aviation.

Studying at Tec de Monterrey, Castillo realized that legal practice could extend beyond litigation or family matters. A professor involved in Mexico’s satellite acquisitions showed him how the law could be applied to cutting-edge industries. This revelation steered him towards arbitration and regulatory matters in the airline industry, eventually leading him to Volaris. His journey within the company has been remarkable, from junior lawyer to senior and regional management roles, overseeing operations across 10 countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, the U.S., Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua and Panama.

Legal complexities in the airline industry

The airline industry is one of the most regulated sectors globally, and Mexico is no exception. Every airline operates under the sovereignty of its home country, requiring extensive legal oversight for certification, operations, and compliance. Castillo has played a pivotal role in Volaris’ expansion strategy to new markets, which cannot be done as a purely Mexican airline. Instead, each expansion requires certification as a national airline within the target country.

Certification is an intricate process divided into five technical phases, all of which involve legal support. From submitting applications to national authorities to assisting in audits, and operational permits and adapting business models to local regulations on consumer protection, labor laws, and aviation compliance, the legal department is crucial to the airline’s success. Castillo has been instrumental in securing certification for Volaris Costa Rica and Volaris El Salvador, which he describes as his “babies,” given his deep sense of belonging towards these projects.

His work in this area has been both complex and rewarding. Navigating the regulatory landscape of multiple countries means continuously updating legal strategies to align with each nation’s aviation laws. Different jurisdictions require different legal frameworks, making adaptability and deep knowledge of each country’s regulations critical. Castillo’s role extends beyond traditional legal counsel, from negotiating contracts with airport authorities to ensuring that Volaris meets local labor laws.

Low-cost operations and legal strategy

Volaris’ low-cost model is designed for efficiency, focusing on quick turnaround times and point-to-point connectivity between underserved cities. This model, while successful, presents unique legal challenges. Regulatory compliance, leasing contracts, safety regulations, and operational agreements must all align seamlessly to maintain cost efficiency and flexibility.

One of Castillo’s major achievements has been devising strategies for fleet management, ensuring operational flexibility through aircraft leasing contracts. His expertise in structuring these agreements has gained the attention of Volaris Mexico, leading to his promotion to Fleet Transaction Manager. This role has allowed him to develop innovative solutions for aircraft exchanges and fleet optimization, further cementing his reputation as a strategic legal expert in the airline industry.

His involvement in fleet management has also highlighted the increasing importance of sustainability and fuel efficiency. As global regulations push airlines toward greener solutions, Castillo has had to adapt legal frameworks to incorporate newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft while ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Balancing economic efficiency with regulatory expectations remains one of the most challenging aspects of his role.

Passionate about aviation and leadership

Beyond his legal expertise, Castillo’s deep passion for aviation has shaped his career. Despite not becoming a pilot professionally, he fulfilled his dream by earning a pilot degree later in life. His love for flying even played a personal role—he proposed to his fiancée mid-air, a testament to how deeply aviation is woven into his life.

As he prepares to take on a new global role within Volaris, Castillo remains committed to continuous learning and professional growth. He aspires to pursue a master’s degree in air transport administration to enhance his expertise further. His leadership journey has been one of perseverance, learning to navigate complex regulatory environments while fostering a strong, flexible and passionate legal team.

As Volaris continues to expand its footprint across Latin America, Castillo’s role will become even more critical. With new markets come new legal challenges, and his ability to anticipate regulatory shifts and adapt quickly will ensure the airline’s continued success. His story is not just one of personal growth but also of strategic influence in one of the world’s most competitive industries.

Castillo’s story is about ambition, resilience, and passion for aviation law. His work has been instrumental in Volaris’ expansion and operational success, proving that behind every successful airline is a legal team ensuring smooth takeoff and landing.

As he continues to shape the legal framework of Volaris’ growing footprint in Latin America, his contributions will undoubtedly help redefine the accessibility and efficiency of air travel in the region. With an eye on the future, Castillo is poised to continue breaking new ground in airline law, ensuring Volaris remains a leader in the industry while making air travel more accessible to people across the continent.