Route News from the Americas

The essential route development update from Latin America and the Caribbean from our Miami-based sister publisher, AvNews. This week: American Airlines in Latin America expansion; Puerto Rico pitches for Southwest service; Pluna and Mexicana collaborate and AeroMexico adds Miami link.

American Airlines in Latin America Expansion

American Airlines is aiming to expand the route network into Latin America, according to Marta Pantin, its director of corporate communications. AA currently operates 748 weekly flights to 39 destinations in the region. Its largest US connecting point [to Latin America] is Miami, followed by Dallas/Fort Worth.

Puerto Rico Pitches for Southwest Service

The Puerto Rico Ports Authority's director, Arnaldo Deleo has invited Southwest Airlines to launch services there and establish a hub on the island.

Given that Southwest Airlines does not serve any market outside of the US with its own metal, any new air service beyond the country is not likely to commence soon. Southwest has an agreement in place with Mexico's Volaris, which will help the carrier test the Mexican market before taking the risk with its own aircraft.

Pluna Collaborates with Mexicana

Uruguay's Pluna has signed an agreement with Mexicana to become a 'feeder' for flights operated by the Mexican carrier to/from Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, providing connections to Montevideo and other regional points.

Mexicana currently serves Buenos Aires ten-times weekly and Sao Paulo five-times weekly with B767 aircraft. Between March 2009 and 2010, Mexicana has had a 36% market share of the Mexico City- Buenos Aires sector and a 20% share of the Mexico City-Sao Paulo route. Competitor Aeromexico carries 62% of the traffic on this route.

Aeromexico Adds Miami Link

SkyTeam member Aeromexico will introduce a scheduled non-stop link from Monterrey to Miami from June 28.

The carrier has chosen to serve the route daily with E145 aircraft.

Aeromexico already serves Miami from Mexico City and Merida, however there are no scheduled services between Monterrey and Miami.

IATA BSP data shows that over 22,000 passengers flew on the sector, with American Airlines capturing 47% of this traffic via its Dallas/Fort Worth hub.