Introduction of New Flights by VivaAerobus Marks a New Era for Saltillo
Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME), a subsidiary of Mota-Engil México, has integrated the Saltillo International Airport into its operations. On Thursday, AME conducted an official ceremony for the inaugural flight by Viva (VivaAerobus) between Saltillo and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), operating daily.
VivaAerobus also announced that starting March of the following year, it will commence operations for the Saltillo-Cancún route, expanding passenger options and solidifying Saltillo’s position as a crucial hub for regional air connectivity.
Background on Saltillo International Airport
The Saltillo airport is owned by the Coahuila Government, which, in collaboration with AME, supports the “Vuela Fácil, Vuela Saltillo” initiative. The goal is to stimulate commercial activity and address the potential of over 2.1 million passengers annually traveling to/from Monterrey due to a lack of options within the airport’s influence radius (approximately 50 km).
AME’s Commitment to Connectivity and Economic Development
AME has been actively negotiating with leading national and international airlines to identify new route opportunities for short-term and medium-term operations, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing air connectivity and economic development in northeastern Mexico.
The first Viva flight on October 31 marked the beginning of a new era, aiming to establish Saltillo as a strategic node for capturing the vast passenger market from Ramos Arizpe, Arteaga, and other regional cities. This offers a closer and more efficient alternative.
The Saltillo-Mexico City (AIFA) route began with near 80% occupancy on A320neo aircraft (186 seats) and will have daily service starting November 13.
With this flight, passengers can connect to over 20 destinations via AIFA, including Mérida, Cancún, Villahermosa, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Puerto Escondido, Los Cabos, Bogotá, and Veracruz. The airport also hosts regional airline AERUS, connecting to strategic northern destinations.
Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME) Overview
Prior to Saltillo airport operations, AME managed two terminals in partnership (mixed investment scheme) with Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), holding concessions for the Riviera Nayarit International Airport and Puerto Escondido International Airport.
This collaboration led to the formation of Grupo Aeroportuario Turístico Mexicano (GATM).
Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME)
GATM, a newly established group for airport operations, is committed to improving air infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency, customer service, and overall performance through public-private collaboration.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME)? AME is a subsidiary of Mota-Engil México responsible for managing airport operations, including the newly integrated Saltillo International Airport.
- What is the significance of VivaAerobus’s new Saltillo-AIFA route? This daily flight marks the beginning of a new era for Saltillo, positioning it as a crucial hub for regional air connectivity and attracting passengers from surrounding cities.
- What is the “Vuelas Fácil, Vuela Saltillo” initiative? This Coahuila Government and AME collaboration aims to stimulate commercial activity and address the potential of over 2.1 million annual passengers traveling to/from Monterrey due to a lack of options within the airport’s influence radius.
- What other airlines operate from Saltillo International Airport? In addition to VivaAerobus, regional airline AERUS also operates from the Saltillo airport, connecting to strategic northern destinations.
- What is Grupo Aeroportuario Turístico Mexicano (GATM)? GATM is a newly formed group established by AME and its partners to manage airport operations, focusing on improving infrastructure, efficiency, and customer service through public-private collaboration.
