Bienvenido Aeromexico! New airline touches down at YVR
New carrier strengthens YVR as gateway hub and creates 160+ new jobs in B.C.
RICHMOND, BC, Dec. 10, 2015 /CNW/ - Last night, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed Aeromexico's inaugural flight from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). The non-stop flight marks the beginning of a new daily service between Mexico City and Vancouver.
"Bienvenido Aeromexico! This new service creates opportunities for business, tourism and trade," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "The exciting addition of Aeromexico service opens up the Latin American market with great onward network connections and helps strengthen our position as gateway hub between Asia and the Americas."
Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, operates more than 600 daily flights and offers connectivity to 46 destinations within Mexico as well as 40 international destinations - including 16 in Latin America alone. It will also provide opportunities for B.C. businesses to reach new customers, suppliers and investors throughout Mexico and Latin America. The additional Vancouver-Mexico City service will continue to strengthen YVR's presence as a connecting travel hub in North America and around the world.
"Starting of our daily flight between Vancouver and Mexico City, we add our third destination in Canada bringing to the Canadian market larger connectivity options to Mexico, Central and South America as part of the airline's international growth," said Anko van der Werff, Chief Revenue Officer, Aeromexico. "Additionally, thanks to our partnership with WestJet and Access Rail – through VIA Rail Canada, we continue strengthening our position in this important market."
The new service will add 160 jobs to the B.C. economy and $9.9 million in Gross Domestic Product, $3.4 million in taxes and $2.9 million in wages to the province. With more than 24,000 people working on Sea Island, YVR is one of British Columbia's key economic and employment generators.
"Mexico is currently one of Vancouver's star tourism markets," said Ty Speer, President and CEO, Tourism Vancouver. "Mexican visitation to Vancouver has increased by 30% since 2013, and we expect to welcome over 85,000 guests by the end of the year. What's more, they're affluent, sophisticated, and interested in extended visits – a perfect fit for Vancouver and BC. The increased flight capacity from Aeromexico will allow us to continue to cater to this important market."
Aeromexico will operate a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with seat capacity for 124 passengers including 12 in Premier Business. Flight AM696 leaves MEX daily at 6:00 p.m. and arrives at YVR at 10:05 p.m. the same day. Flight AM697 leaves YVR at 11:20 p.m. and arrives at MEX at 7:00 a.m. the following day. The arrival time at YVR allows for convenient connections onward to Asian markets while the arrival time back in MEX ensures efficient connectivity to Central and South America.. For booking information, visit www.aeromexico.com.
About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served more than 19 million passengers in 2014. Fifty-four airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 111 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR was voted Best Airport in North America for the sixth consecutive year, and Best Airport in the World for its size category of 10-20 million passengers, in the 2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2014 donated more than $900,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.
About Grupo Aeroméxico
Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide commercial aviation services in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, operates more than 600 daily flights from its main hub in Terminal 2 at the Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City. Its route network spans over 80 cities on three continents including 46 destinations in Mexico, 16 in the United States, 16 in Latin America, three in Europe, three in Canada and two in Asia.
Grupo Aeroméxico fleet 130 aircraft is comprised of Boeing 787, 777 and 737 jet airliners and next generation Embraer 145, 170, 175 and 190 models. In 2012, the airline announced the most significant investment strategy in Mexican aviation history, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 MAX 737 airliners and ten 787-9 Dreamliners.
As a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Aeromexico offers customers more than 1,000 destinations in 178 countries served by the 20 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 636 premium airport lounges around the world. Aeromexico also offers travel options through its code share partners Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, LAN, TACA and TAM with extensive connectivity in countries like Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Peru and the United States.
SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority
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YVR Media Relations: 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport; Aeromexico: External Communications & PR, +52 (55) 9132 4604, [email protected]
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