June was full of Mexico news from the skies and Travel Agent is here to break down the highlights.
Aeromexico Launches New Atlanta Route
Toward the end of June, Mexico airline Aeromexico announced its newest connection between Mexico and the United States with flights between Atlanta and Mexico City, beginning on July 1.
This summer, the vibrant and convivial capital of Mexico will be hosting a slew of events for every taste, from the San Francisco International Film Festival at the beautiful Plaza Condesa, horse racing at the Hipódromo de las Américas, and the Saint Santiago's Festival - featuring rides, music, dancing, food stalls and religious services throughout the city – there is a little bit of something for every taste this summer in Mexico City.
Travelers can also connect to some of Mexico's most popular destinations such as Cancun, Mazatlan, Leon, and beyond with Aeromexico's network of over 40 routes within the country.
Flights leave Atlanta as 2:40 p.m. daily and arrive in Mexico City at 5:25 p.m. Return flights leave Mexico City at 9:05 a.m. daily and land in Atlanta at 1:40 p.m.
With this new service, Aeromexico offers more than 16 routes directly from the U.S. throughout Mexico.
Visit www.skyteam.com.
Funjet Vacations Launches Air Credit Sale to Cancun, Riviera Maya
Funjet Vacations recently launched the “Funjet the Air Credit You Deserve Sale,” offering instant savings of up to $250 on select vacation packages to Cancun or the Riviera Maya with no promo code required.
The air credit sale, running June 22—July 12, is valid on air-and-hotel packages and is offered in three savings tiers: $150 off vacations of three nights, $200 off vacations of four or five nights and $250 off vacations of six nights or longer.
Along with the air credit instant discount, agents will find special offers for their clients from hotels featured in the sale. These deals include children-stay-free offers, up to a $1,500 resort credit, spa credits and reduced room upgrade rates. The air credit savings and hotel offers are valid for travel through December 15.
Agents can give their clients a full experience by taking the extra savings and re-investing them into Funjet’s All-In-One Travel protection. Should a traveler need to cancel or postpone a trip, the All-In-One Travel Protection offers cash back, no fees to change a reservation, a price guarantee and provides medical, baggage and emergency coverage throughout the trip.
Visit www.VAXVacationAccess.com/Funjet.
Aeromexico Vacations Offers New Gateways to Riviera Nayarit
In mid-June, Aeromexico Vacations introduced all-inclusive vacation packages from 40 city gateways that feature roundtrip airfare, accommodations, meals and many other amenities, such as airport transfers, hotel taxes, luggage handling, gratuities and 24/7 toll-free assistance. Seven resorts are participating.
The packages in Riviera Nayarit combine travel on Aeromexico and partner airlines with seven all-inclusive four- or five-star resorts. Depending on the resort, guests will enjoy a wide choice of dining experiences, extensive recreational facilities, including swimming pools and beaches, shopping, sightseeing, children’s programs, theme dinners and nightly entertainment. All at the price of the Aeromexico Vacation package.
In addition, each of the participating resorts adds in its own special incentives and amenities. These include, depending on the package chosen:
• Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta: up to a $400 resort credit and for kids, a free stay and free meals.
• Marival Resort & Suites: Complimentary golf and an “Exclusive All Inclusive Plus” plan.
• Marival Residences & World Spa: Unlimited complimentary golf, the “Exclusive All Inclusive Plus” plan, six free tours and one free night.
• Riu Jalisco: A $35 spa credit and 20% discount on golf greens fees.
• Riu Palace Pacifico: A $35 spa credit and 20% discount on golf greens fees.
• Riu Vallarta: A $35 spa credit and 20% discount on golf greens fees.
• Vallarta Palace: Up to $2,500 resort credit and kids stay and eat free.
Visit www.aeromexicovacations.com or www.rivieranayarit.com
Aeromexico – Avianca Codeshare Begins Operations
Aeromexico started its busy June by announcing the official launch of Aeromexico and Avianca’s codeshare agreemenet on June 4.
In this phase, travelers from Mexico City to Bogota on Aeromexico flights can connect with Avianca to Armenia, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cali,Cartagena, Medellin and Pereira. Travelers arriving in Mexico City via Avianca can connect with Aeromexico to Acapulco, Cancun, Guadalajara, Leon, Merida, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana, Veracruz and Villahermosa.
Under the agreement travelers can purchase tickets between Bogota and Mexico City at any of Aeromexico or Avianca’s points of sale. A single ticket will be sufficient to travel on several of either airline's routes.
In the coming months, travelers will have the opportunity to redeem Avianca LifeMiles and Aeromexico Club Premier Points on routes operated by both airlines as well as other benefits.
Visit www.avianca.com and www.skyteam.com.
Delta Air Lines Invests $65 Million in Grupo Aeromexico
In early June, Delta Air Lines invested $65 million in Grupo Aeromexico, marking the first time a global carrier has bought equity in a national Mexican airline, Grupo Aeromexico reports.
The Mexican Federal Compensation Commission (CFC) authorized the operation that allowed Delta Air Lines to underwrite and purchase 30,182,855 shares of stock equivalent to 4.17 percent of Grupo Aeromexico's capital stock, a purchase that also gives Delta a seat on the Grupo Aeromexcio Board of Directors.
The purchase is part of the global contract the carriers signed last year to create an alliance in Latin America. This is a long-term agreement that will lead to the expansion of Delta-Aeromexico codeshare flights.
Consolidation of this alliance also includes the companies' joint investment in their Maintenance, Repair and Operation (MRO) business at new facilities the carriers plan to open in Mexico in 2013. Grupo Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines will invest equal amounts to expand their aircraft repair business.
Visit www.aeromexico.com and www.delta.com.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all the latest news out of Mexico and Latin America.