Photo courtesy Aeromexico

If blustery weather in the West has you dreaming about a sunny, beach getaway, Aeromexico has just made it easier to plan your next holiday.

On Dec. 9, 2015, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed Aeromexico in its inaugural flight from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). The new, daily non-stop service between Mexico City and Vancouver is the carrier’s third route in Canada — it also services Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

“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, " said Anko van der Werff, chief revenue officer at Aeromexico.

The airline has also announced that it is developing partnerships with WestJet and Via Rail Canada to increase its presence and connectivity in Canada.

Aeromexico, Mexico’s national flag carrier, operates more than 600 daily flights to more than 46 cities within Mexico and 16 destinations in Latin America.

While the new service may be good news for Canada's winter-weary travellers, it is even better news for Vancouver’s economy. The flight is expected to create 160 new jobs in B.C. and add C$9.9 million in Gross Domestic Product, C$3.4 million in taxes and C$2.9 million in wages to the province.

"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."

It should also bring new visitors to Vancouver.

"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 per cent 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."

The service is being operated on a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with a capacity of 124 passengers, including 12 Premier Business class seats. Flight AM696 departs 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 morning. The early arrival at YVR allows passengers the ability to make easy connections to Asia, while the connection in Mexico is ideal for travellers continuing on to Central and South America.

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