Aeromexico service to YYZ takes flight

Embracing the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, Aeromexico used the occasion to celebrate the official launch of flights between Toronto and Mexico City which began a day earlier.

Adding to the existing connection between Mexico City and Montreal (launched in 2010), Toronto is the second Canadian gateway to which the airline flies. Plans have also been announced to introduce daily non-stop service from Vancouver, commencing Dec. 9.

Aeromexico makes its return to YYZ after pulling out of the market five years ago – a period when the financial crisis hit, a swine flu pandemic affected Mexico and stricter visa restrictions impacted Mexican travel to Canada.

Now making a "long-overdue return to Toronto," Anko van der Werff, Aeromexico's chief revenue officer, said that this time, it is "here to stay."

"Whatever happened in history, is history," he said. "We're looking at a very bright future."

According to van der Werff, the first flight to Mexico City from Toronto was overbooked, a sign of the success thus far and an indication of Aeromexico's competitive position in the marketplace. Flights depart YYZ daily at 9:15 a.m., arriving in Mexico City at 1:20 p.m., and upon return, take-off is 1:01 a.m., landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 6:36 a.m.

"We take great pride in being a major global hub that seamlessly connects passengers and goods to destinations around the world," said Craig Bradbrook, vice-president, aviation services at Greater Toronto Airport Authority. "That's why we're so excited that Aeromexico has chosen to take advantage of everything we have to offer."

The new connection is expected to strengthen business relations between Mexico and Canada, specifically the province of Ontario, which is responsible for $22 billion of trade with the country. And although that number is significant – representing 70 per cent of total trade between the two countries – Mauricio Toussaint, consulate general of Mexico in Toronto, said, "There are still many opportunities and room to expand our economic relationship."

Eased visa restrictions for Mexican travellers to Canada, slated to take effect in 2016, will also positively influence the success of the route, which is now currently operated by Boeing 737-700 aircraft. van der Werff told PAX that the airline anticipates using the larger 737-800s during peak season and perhaps regularly throughout the year, depending on demand going forward.

Aeromexico has also introduced the new 787 to its fleet, representing the largest investment in Mexico's airline history at $11 billion. Now with seven aircraft flying to destinations such as London, Paris, Madrid and Tokyo, they are scheduled to have 15 to 20 in the air within the next few years. As for whether or not these will be positioned on the MEX-YYZ route, van der Werff told PAX it's not part of the plans yet.

That said, Aeromexico flies to 16 destinations in Latin America and already, 40 to 50 per cent of passengers from YYZ are connecting onward. The executive noted that leveraging the airline's network offers travellers access to destinations throughout the region, whether travelling for business or leisure. A codeshare with WestJet, which will take effect in the coming weeks, will also help travellers connect across Canada.

The tourism aspect is one that is not to be overlooked, and van der Werff – himself a European – is a big proponent of vacationing throughout his new home country.

"We've got beautiful sun, beaches, weather, climate, food and people," he said. "We'll happily celebrate a very nice, sunny vacation with you."

It goes both ways, of course, as expressed by Tourism Toronto's Andrew Weir, executive VP and chief marketing officer, who highlighted developments throughout the city that enhance its appeal to international visitors.

"The Mexican market has long been very important to Toronto. It's probably never more so than in the next several years, looking forward. In 2014, there were more than 30,000 visitors from Mexico to Toronto and that's up 20 per cent over four years before that. But we all know that's less than half of what it was 10 years earlier," Weir said, pointing to the potential ahead.

Tourism Toronto expects to welcome a number of Mexicans this summer as the Pan Am and Parapan Am games take place. Weir noted various developments, such as a $1 billion investment in the cultural sector, new additions to the city's hotel options (particularly in the high-end space) and a revitalized waterfront set to open this summer. The new UP Express direct rail link from YYZ opens June 6, simplifying access to the downtown core.

PHOTO: John Sharp, associate director, air service development aviation services, GTAA;  Craig Bradbrook, VP,  aviation services, GTAA; Anko van der Werff, chief revenue officer, Aeromexico; Mike Miguel, manager business development, WestJet; & Rodrigo Esponda, director - North America, Mexico Tourism Board