Believe it or not, there are as many as *FOUR* new start-up airlines planning to launch new services with cut rates throughout Mexico. One of these is going to be a subsidiary of Brazilian low-fare carrier Gol, another is bankrolled by a Spanish investment group, and another is backed by uber-gazillionaire Carlos Slim (who owns Telmex, CompUSA, Sanborns, and myriad other moneymakers).

Last week, I picked up a copy of El Norte, and they had full-page color ads announcing InterJet (I think this might be the one backed by Slim). First big splash I'd seen for them, though I'd heard a news story a few weeks ago that they'd purchased 7 Airbus A320s and signed an agreement with Airbus to take delivery of 10 new next-generation A320s in 2007.

Fares I've seen being proposed have included Toluca (just outside Mexico City) to Cancun for US$70 and Toluca to Monterrey for $80. There's also talk of a $80 round-trip from Mexico City to Guadalajara.

The looking glass says air travel in Mexico is about to become very very cheap in 2006 and 2007...

Buen viaje!
Mark

I have a feeling that Mexican low-fare carriers will have as much trouble competing against entrenched Aviacsa as U.S. startup carriers would have competing against Southwest. We shall see...

Buen viaje, amigos!
M

Up, up, and away!

The first of these discount airlines is poised to take off in less than 2 weeks. Volaris airline is now selling tickets for their flights, which officially start March 13.

The airline is based in Toluca (TLC), about 28 miles from Mexico City, with flights to Cancun, Monterrey, and Guadalajara among the first destinations being served.

Flight schedules, airline info, reservations, etc. on the web at:
http://www.volaris.com.mx/

Buen viaje!
Mark

Interjet has taken off too, with routes that are pretty much the same as those Volaris is targeting.

www.interjet.com.mx

Interjet is currently charging about US$70 round-trip between Monterrey (MTY) and Guadalajara (GDL).

Volaris is running about $100 RT between MTY and Toluca (TLC).

For comparison, a 1st class bus ticket between Monterrey and Guadalajara costs about 520 pesos --- or about US$20 more than flying.

Buen viaje, amigos!
M

Another low-cost startup --- this is the one owned by Brazilian carrier Gol (as if you couldn't tell from the garish orange look and feel).

A Volar
On the web at: www.avolar.com.mx

Their routes cluster on the west coast, and they'd be okay for Southern Californians if it weren't for generally high fares out of Tijuana. IMHO, their fares don't look as cheap as Interjet or Volaris, but I'm keeping them in mind for upcoming trips...

Buen viaje!
M

While catching a flight out of GDL this morning, I noticed yet ANOTHER new airline there....Alma. They were flying Bombardier regional jets and have a fairly extensive routemap throughout Mexico. Promo deals with free ground transp into Puebla.

On the web at: www.alma.com.mx

The potential for deals in Mexico is outrageous these days...

European low-fare carrier, Ryan Air, has jumped onto the Mexican low-fare bandwagon. They flew their first flight about 3 weeks ago and are planning an aggressive expansion scheme throughout the country.

Currently, they're using Monterrey (MTY) as their hub airport, and they've got operations set up in the brand-spankin' new Terminal 3 building there.

That makes at least *FIVE* new airlines to launch in Mexico over the past 9 months...and the deal potential goes on...

For schedules and reservations: www.vivaaerobus.com

Buen viaje!
M

bump