American Airlines, the largest carrier at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), launched new nonstop service to Monterrey, Mexico, on Tuesday. The new service marks the first time Phoenix has had a nonstop flight to Monterrey in 19 years.
The announcement comes as Sky Harbor has seen a comeback, with air travel demand finally returning after the pandemic. Officials believe the flight will bring in millions of dollars for the local economy as the City of Phoenix has worked to strengthen its partnership with Mexico.
Ideal for business and leisure travelers
The flight will be operated daily by American’s regional brand, American Eagle, on its 76-seat Embraer E175 aircraft. Monterrey-bound flights will depart Phoenix at 19:50 and arrive at 23:00. The return flight will depart Monterrey at 8:00, with a scheduled arrival time of 9:40 in Phoenix. The timing of the flight is ideal for both business and leisure travelers, according to officials.
American’s Managing Director of Hub Operations in Phoenix, Sophia Philis-Ortiz, spoke about the new route.
“As customers begin to plan their New Year’s travels, American is excited to provide new, nonstop service between Phoenix and Monterrey this January. “We are proud to offer the most direct flights from Phoenix to Mexico. And, with this addition, our customers will be more seamlessly connected to one of Mexico’s top business and leisure destinations.”
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PHX’s increased international demand
The new flight marks American’s 13th Mexican destination from Sky Harbor. In a press conference on Tuesday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego thanked the Fort Worth, TX-based airline for its service at the airport.
“American Airlines is our key partner in international air service development and we appreciate their continued investment in Sky Harbor. There is a lot of demand for international travel and yet time and time again, American chooses to invest at Phoenix Sky Harbor so we want to say thank you to the American Airlines team.” - Kate Gallego, Phoenix Mayor
The Valley of the Sun has also become a gateway to Mexico over the years. From 2021 to last year, seats to Mexico were up 12% and up 63% from 2022 compared to 2019. Additionally, international service from Sky Harbor has increased, with capacity up nearly 10% from 2019.
“We are a global city and Sky Harbor is our key gateway to International visitors and to people from Phoenix who are traveling all over the world,” Gallego said. “We are going to continue to grow and champion international air service.”
More than $9 million in economic output
Monterrey is Mexico’s third-largest city and is the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon. The nonstop flights are essential to Phoenix’s local economy as the city and Mexico have been longtime trade and tourism partners.
“We believe this flight will generate $9.2 million in annual economic output,” Gallego said. “We have really made it a priority to invest and strengthen our partnership with Mexico.”
As a business hub for Northern Mexico, Monterrey is a central destination for technology and financial development. Phoenix has reportedly seen increased foreign direct investment that has helped the city grow. Gallego said the new nonstop flight would only further the city’s business ties and economic cooperation.