TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa International Airport announced Monday morning that it will begin daily nonstop service to Mexico City this summer.
The airport is bringing in airline Aeroméxico, with flights starting on July 1.
"As Aeroméxico's largest unserved U.S. market, connecting Tampa Bay to Mexico is a major victory for both markets, given out cultural and economic ties," said Joe Lopano, the Chief Executive Officer for TPA.
The airline currently also services Orlando and Miami. Tampa will become Aeroméxico's 23rd destination in the U.S., according to Jose Zapata, the airline's Vice President of North American and LATAM Sales.
Zapata said the daily flights will start by leaving Mexico City around 10 a.m., arrive at TPA around 3:20 p.m. and then return to Mexico City for an arrival time around 6:15 p.m. From there, passengers will have access to connecting flights to 45 different destinations within Mexico.
Aeroméxico will begin service out of Tampa with Embraer E190 aircraft, which can hold a total of 99 passengers – 11 of which would be business class passengers, according to Zapata. He said the airline plans to use Boeing 737-800 aircraft during the winter peak of travel season to accommodate more travelers.
Airport leaders said the partnership will not only serve those looking for direct travel to Mexico but also serve Tampa Bay's economy.
"According to economic estimates, this route to Tampa Bay will generate almost $70 million a year and provide countless opportunities for the regional economy to grow, which is a huge win for all of us," Lopano said.
Aeroméxico is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and has partnered with Delta since 1994, according to the airline's website.