Bienvenido Aeromexico! YVR Welcomes New Carrier

YVR creates new connections to Latin America and 160+ jobs in B.C.

RICHMOND, BC, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Vancouver Airport Authority today announced the upcoming arrival of Aeromexico to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The new daily non-stop service between YVR and Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City begins December 9, 2015.

"We are thrilled to welcome Aeromexico to YVR's family of business partners on the eve of Cinco de Mayo," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Aeromexico's decision to fly to YVR further strengthens our position as the gateway hub between Asia and the Americas. The new service will give businesses more options to reach customers in Mexico and throughout Latin America."

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. It will also provide opportunities for B.C. businesses to reach new customers, suppliers and investors throughout Mexico and Latin America.

"Air connections between Mexico and Canada are essential to the growing mobility of citizens between both countries; the new Aeromexico flight from Mexico City to Vancouver will foster tourism, business, and student travel in both directions, " said Claudia Franco Hijuelos, Consul General of Mexico in Vancouver. "Furthermore, competitive prices will enable Mexico's global airline to tap into growing demand."

Aeromexico will operate a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with seat capacity for 124 passengers including 12 in Premier Business. Aeromexico offers connectivity to 45 destinations within Mexico and 16 destinations in Latin America.

"We already have presence in the East and Center of Canada and with the addition of Vancouver we will also cover the Western parts of the country, as part of our international network growth plan. Vancouver International Airport is the second-busiest airport in Canada, and the city is one of the most beautiful in the world with a competitive and growing business environment, a thriving high tech industry, natural attractions and a sustainable long-term approach to welcoming business and leisure travelers with open arms all year long", said Anko van der Werff, Chief Revenue Officer at Aeromexico.

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. Tickets for the new Aeromexico service are already on sale. 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-three airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 110 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 Aeromexico

Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, the largest airline in Mexico, operates more than 600 daily flights and its main hub is in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features more than 80 cities on three continents, including 45 destinations in Mexico, 16 in the United States, 16 in Latin America, three in Europe, three in Canada and two in Asia.

The Group's fleet of more than 120 aircraft is comprised of Boeing 787, 777, 767 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 aviation history in Mexico, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 MAX B737 jet airliners and 10 B787-9 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 516 premium airport lounges around the world. Aeromexico also offers travel on its codeshare partner flights with Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, LAN, TACA and TAM with extensive connectivity in countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia and Peru. www.aeromexico.com www.skyteam.com http://disfrutaam.tumblr.com/

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport