Aeromexico Outlines Plans to Enhance Connectivity Between Mexico and the U.S
Rocío Blázquez, Senior Regional Sales Manager in the United States and Canada, explains to TravelPulse the strategies and programs that the airline implements to consolidate itself as a leader in the transport of passengers from North America to Mexico.
What is Aeromexico’s position in the U.S. and Canadian markets after the pandemic?
At Aeromexico, we are committed to expanding our connectivity network between Mexico and the United States, and Canada; we currently offer 252 routes in these markets, with the best fleet, service, and industry safety standards. The United States is our largest international market, with more than a million passengers carried from January to April 2023. In May, we opened our route from Houston, Texas, to Felipe International Airport Angeles, which became the first flight to the United States from that airport.
In Canada, we have exceeded the levels of passengers transported in the same period compared to 2019. These figures reflect the recovery of Aeromexico in both markets.
How does the Delta alliance benefit U.S. and Canadian passengers?
Thanks to the cross-border alliance between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, we operate a total of 44 routes between Mexico and the United States, which has led to the improvement of service and increased connectivity efficiency through 300,000 flights, positively impacting more than 37 million customers since its launch, with the signing of this joint agreement collaboration in 2017.
What technology have you implemented for the benefit of customers?
We are committed to providing an increasingly personalized experience. Our digital ecosystem allows customers to manage various procedures by their own account, without contacting an agent or arriving at the airport:
Digital ecosystem: website, mobile app, digital kiosks, Aerobot for WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger
Functionalities: booking itineraries, check-in, ancillary services, flight change management
Baggage tracking via WhatsApp and Free Messaging on board at selected devices
We will continue to innovate to enable more features to meet the needs of our customers. For our business partners and travel agencies, we have developed the webpage aeromexicobusiness.com, which is constantly evolving and allows them to self-manage changes of all kinds thanks to the technological innovation incorporated.
What is the flow of flights with the United States and Canada?
From Delta-operated hubs and Aeromexico hubs (MEX, MTY and GDL) we have an average of 450 flights per week to the US. To Canada we have 14 flights per week to each of the following destinations: Vancouver and Toronto.
What are your sustainability goals?
Continue to work towards achieving emission neutralization in our operations through initiatives such as:
- Operational fuel economy plan
- Improvements in waste and water management in operating centers
- Boost our voluntary CO2 offsetting program when flying (Vuela Verde)
- That 10% of aviation fuel will be SAF by 2030, according to the Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative of the World Economic Forum, of which Aeromexico is a part
- Promote the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), such as part of the global industry’s commitment to net-zero emissions in 2050, of which Aeromexico is a part
- Continue to strengthen our operation under the highest guidelines in governance
- Continue our work in support of vulnerable communities
What plans do you have for the expansion and modernization of your fleet?
We have the largest fleet in almost 90 years of history (also the most robust of Mexico); in May, we have 152 aircraft. We recently celebrated the arrival of our Boeing 787 Dreamliner #20 and the 737 MAX #50. In addition, we are the fourth operator in the world with the largest fleet of B737 MAX; at the end of this year, we expect to have 55 of this model.
Our fleet is made up of modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly equipment with an average age of 7.5 years, making it one of the youngest fleets in Latin America. The new fleet allows us to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 percent.
What customer profiles do you have in North America?
We identify various profiles depending on the destination and season. For example, there is a very high demand for family travel, and business travel continues to increase, as does the trend in sustainable travel and ecotourism.
What distinguishes Aeromexico’s service, making it a leader in passenger transport in the United States and Canada?
Our fleet comprises modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly equipment. We are the fourth operator in the world with the largest fleet of B737 MAX. Our domestic flight network is the most robust in Mexico, operating at 47 destinations.
Our cross-border alliance between Delta Airlines and Aeromexico has resulted in the improvement of service and route expansion. And without a doubt, our service on board, with the excellence and the Mexican warmth is a differentiator from the competition.
What do your loyalty programs offer?
In 2022 our loyalty program (formerly Club Premier) returned completely to Aeromexico and we decided to renovate it, now is called Aeromexico Rewards. This evolution is more focused on motivating travel experiences, and will allow us to give partners a simpler and more rewarding program. Members can find more benefits, for example, with Aeromexico Rewards points never expire.
Redemption prices to many of the most popular destinations dropped, now the members of the program will be able to tour Mexico from 10,000 Points in one way trips in the off-season, when before it was from 14,000. In addition, points may be redeemed for travel supplements such as checked baggage, seat allocation, Vuela Verde (Green Fly) and more. It also simplified the digital experience, enabling partners to do more through aeromexico.com in the mobile app.
How do you integrate your employees into social programs?
We integrate our partners into our social programs through our volunteer program and awareness-raising on issues such as the prevention of human trafficking, diversity, equity, inclusion, etc. The involvement of our collaborators is critical to achieving a positive impact in the communities where we operate.