By Wendy Anders

The low-budget Mexican airline Volaris will launch its regional flights in and out of Costa Rica today, reported La Republica, a Costa Rican Spanish newspaper.

Volaris will start its service by offering two daily flights to Guatemala from Alajuela’s Juan Santamaría (SJO) airport; one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Over the next three years the airline plans to grow its operations to offer 20 different regional flights on 18-22 planes in and out of Costa Rica.

Ticket prices start at $70 one-way, taxes included, and include two small carry-on bags, with an additional charge for checked luggage, said La Republica.

“This is the first ultra low-cost airline in Central America that will allow all people to fly within the region,” said Fernando Naranjo, general manager of Volaris Costa Rica.

The company aims to compete with regional bus services, said La Republica

“Current rates are strangling passengers; they don’t match the market,” said Enrique Beltranena, Volaris CEO, to La Republica.

Thus far the company has hired 60 Costa Rican employees. Their staff will grow to an estimated 200 employees once aviation technicians, crew, counter service staff, and others are hired, reported La Republica.