Southwest Airlines today announced its intention to build a codeshare partnership with Mexican carrier Volaris. The two airlines have completed the first step in creating a relationship that will eventually allow the carriers to offer Customers a seamless travel experience to a wide array of destinations. This initial agreement puts the two airlines on a path toward bringing more low fares and a better Customer experience across the U.S./Mexican border. The airlines plan to announce codeshare flight schedules and additional features regarding the partnership by early 2010. Certain details of the codeshare and elements of the partnership are subject to approvals by both the U.S. and Mexican governments. To view a blog post on the announcement, visit: www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/viva-mexico.
“We are continuing to look for ways to expand our network through international codeshare partnerships, and we are excited to team up with Volaris to offer our Customers access to attractive Mexican destinations,” said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning Bob Jordan. “Volaris has a stellar reputation for being a highly efficient airline with a dedication to Customer Service, which makes it a natural fit for Southwest Airlines.”
Volaris was founded in 2006 and currently serves 39 routes in 23 cities throughout Mexico. Volaris is known for competitive pricing and an end-to-end operations model that has earned the airline the reputation for being Mexico’s most ontime carrier. Volaris operates a modern fleet of 18 Airbus A319 and an A320 aircraft with an average age of 2.17 years.
“Our international expansion will happen with the best possible partner for a carrier of our characteristics — that is Southwest Airlines. We are certain that the codeshare will allow business, leisure, and visiting friends and family traffic to increase on both sides of the border,” said Volaris Chief Executive Officer Enrique Beltranena.
The airlines are not ready to announce routes, schedules, or fares at this point, but the agreement will eventually allow each carrier to check both Customers and baggage to a passenger’s final destination. The codeshare partnership is intended to provide convenient, viable connecting schedules. In addition, southwest.com will become a distribution channel for Volaris’ existing Mexican and future transborder flights in the Spring of 2009, providing Customers the opportunity to purchase flights on Volaris’ existing flights via southwest.com (this option will be available for existing Volaris flights before actual connecting codeshare flights are available for purchase). Other areas of possible cooperation include frequent flier options, ground handling, and cargo.
“We recently announced our decision to enter the international market with Canadian carrier WestJet, and we will continue to work diligently to broaden our international codeshare service even further,” Jordan said. “
Mexpro.com, a leading provider of insurance for Mexico, released today a list of tips and updates regarding Driving to Mexico this winter season. Millions of Snowbirds and Hispanics drive to Mexico during the winter months to vacation and to visit family. Following are some updates for those driving to Mexico this winter:
Mexico Insurer Solvency & Financial Conditions
There are less than 20 insurance companies in all of Mexico who offer Tourist Auto insurance coverage.
When buying your coverage from Mexico Insurers, it is important that you check the specific A.M. Best Rating for that insurer. Some large Mexico Insurance Providers have not been rated by A.M. Best Company. You should never buy your coverage from unrated insurers in the US, let alone Mexico!
At a time when even old stalwarts such as AIG have seen their stock valuations decrease dramatically and are under ratings review with negative implications, it is more important than ever that you make sure you are buying your Mexico Coverage from financially stable, AM Best Rated insurers.
For a complete listing of Mexican Insurer’s Financial Results, please visit mexpro.com. Mexpro® represents only carriers (or their parents) who maintain an A.M. Best A rating or better.
Gas Prices 30% Less in Mexico!
Although US gas prices have taken a dip, gas prices in Mexico continue to be far less. Since Mexico regulates gas through Pemex, their lone gasoline distributor, the gas is the same price whether you fill up in Cancun or Tijuana. For Snowbirds and others traveling to the interior of Mexico this winter, the savings can add up to hundreds of dollars!
If you’re crossing the border, keep in mind that you must carry auto insurance for your vehicle. Go to mexpro.com® for all your Mexico Insurance needs.
More Bang For Your Buck - Travel To Mexico
The US dollar is weak, but not in Mexico where the exchange rate is still very favorable. The US Dollar has increased 30% over the Mexico Peso in the last two months.
With the faltering economy and devalued dollar, Mexico offers a great close-to-home alternative for Americans with Maui-like beaches for a fraction of the cost. Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes survey found that Mexico is the number one destination for Americans.
New Passport Card Available
The US Department of State has begun mailing out new passport cards - these smaller, less expensive passport cards fit into a wallet. The card is being used in lieu of the larger, traditional passport book, which costs $100 for a new applicant. It is a steal at $20 if you already have a passport, and $45 for first-time applicants. The card can only be used for land or sea travel - not for air travel - in North America.
The passport card features an embedded radio transmitter that allows customs agents to quickly access passport information from government databases. This speeds up the border crossing process and allows customs agents to make better judgments regarding a person’s entry into a country.
The processing time for the new passport card is about four weeks. So get yours today!
Mexpro.com® is not only dedicated to providing you with competitive prices, but also to providing you quality coverage from A-Rated insurers.
Get quality Mexico Tourist Auto and RV Insurance from Mexpro.com®!
Quote, Print and purchase online now!
Call us now at 888-467-4639!
No Club Fees.
Special six-month discounts may apply. “
Sabor latino! JetBlue Airways Expands to South America with Daily Service to Bogota, Colombia
Service is subject to receipt of operating authority from the Colombian Government, and until final government approval is received, all travel must be purchased and originate in the United States only. Itineraries that originate in Bogota will be available for sale at a later date after receipt of Colombian Government approval.“We’re thrilled to introduce JetBlue’s renowned service to the people of Bogota as we begin the only nonstop flights between Colombia and Orlando,” said JetBlue CEO Dave Barger. “This new direct link connecting one of the most vibrant cities in the Americas to the varied attractions of Central Florida is great news for consumers. With low fares, comfortable leather seats with lots of legroom, free snacks and drinks, plus JetBlue’s friendly crewmembers, we’re sure that Bogotanos will quickly come to love the JetBlue experience.”
Customer-friendly JetBlue’s new year-round route to the thriving Colombian capital is the latest in a string of new services to Latin America and the Caribbean from the airline’s Orlando focus city. The airline now offers daily service between Orlando and Cancun, Mexico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Aguadilla, Ponce and San Juan, Puerto Rico, plus flights to 14 additional cities on the U.S. mainland.
JetBlue’s schedule between Bogota and New York via Orlando:
Depart New York (JFK) 1:20 p.m. Arrive Orlando (MCO) 4:08 p.m.
Depart Orlando (MCO) 5:55 p.m. Arrive Bogota (BOG) 9:48 p.m.
Operates daily effective January 29, 2009Depart Bogota (BOG) 10:00 a.m. Arrive Orlando (MCO) 2:01 p.m.
Depart Orlando (MCO) 3:31 p.m. Arrive New York (JFK) 6:10 p.m.
Operates daily effective January 30, 2009Consistently noted as a leader in customer service and customer satisfaction, JetBlue will operate service to Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport with its comfortable 150-seat Airbus A320, which offers seatback televisions (including programming en Espanol), all-leather seating, the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline, and unlimited free snacks and beverages.
“The selection of Orlando International by JetBlue to launch their first nonstop flight to South America is further evidence of a commitment by JetBlue to Central Florida and our community. The daily service is a welcomed addition that further expands our international capacity,” said Steve Gardner, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
“We’re excited about JetBlue’s new direct flight between Bogota and Orlando,” said Ray Gilley, President & CEO of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. “This is great news for both leisure and business travelers as it creates a commercial bridge between our areas, helping to enhance the existing trade that takes place between Colombia and Florida, and helps to create new business opportunities.”
About JetBlue Airways
New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft “BetaBlue,” a first among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue currently serves 51 cities with 500 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations in English or Spanish call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: www.prnewswire.com/mnr/regenthotels/35321/
Scheduled to open December 2011, The Regent Puerto Rico will be the focal point for one of the premier integrated luxury resort communities in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The new Regent will join the existing portfolio of luxury resorts in the Americas, including The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos and The Regent Bal Harbour, Florida. Additional Regent Hotels & Resorts are located in Europe and Asia, with eight properties under construction globally.
“We are pleased to introduce Regent Hotels & Resorts for the first time in Puerto Rico,” said Bjorn Gullaksen, President, Regent Luxury Group. “We look forward to offering the distinctive Regent Experience to visitors and guests at the Palmas del Mar resort, as a new Caribbean destination for luxury travelers,” he added.
The 150-room Regent Puerto Rico will offer beachfront accommodations and interiors by award-winning designer Trisha Wilson, whose work includes Little Dix Bay Villa and Spa in Virgin Gorda and The Palace of the Lost City Hotel, Suncity, South Africa. The hotel”’s architectural firm, Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates, also created The Regent Bal Harbour and The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos, as well as hotels for St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton.
“We are delighted to bring the Regent Experience, with its iconic Asian heritage, to this exciting new development,” said Luis F. Muniz, Chairman and CEO, RPR Development, LLC. “The uncompromising quality and service reflective of the Regent heritage aligns with our vision for this luxurious new destination,” he added.
The Regent Puerto Rico will include 96 guestrooms and 52 suites as well as a spectacular 5,500-square-foot Presidential Suite and a Presidential Beach Cottage, featuring expansive views of the Caribbean Sea, neighboring island Vieques and Puerto Rico’s lush rainforest. The Regent Puerto Rico will also offer 153 Regent-branded residences.
Resort amenities will include a signature restaurant from a renowned culinary operator, three private pools, preferred tee times at nearby championship golf courses and a 16,000-square-foot spa featuring five over-water spa suites. The Regent Puerto Rico will also offer an on-site ballroom and chapel for destination weddings and events.
Located thirty-five minutes southeast of San Juan, The Regent Puerto Rico will be part of a comprehensive and exclusive resort community. Among Puerto Rico and the Caribbean’s top resort communities, Palmas del Mar offers the largest tennis center in the Caribbean, featuring 22 courts, as well as a country club, yacht club, equestrian center, 18 restaurants and two championship golf courses from Reese Jones and Gary Player. The community also offers a 160-slip marina within walking distance of The Regent Puerto Rico.
The Regent Puerto Rico marks the latest in the luxury brand”’s global expansion, which includes upcoming properties The Regent Maldives (2009); The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, Thailand (2009); The Regent Manila Bay, the Philippines (2010); The Regent Emirates Pearl Abu Dhabi (2010); The Regent Bangkok, Thailand (2010); The Regent Dubrovnik, Croatia (2011); and The Regent Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2011).
About Regent Hotels & Resorts - Regent Hotels & Resorts is part of Carlson, a global leader in the hotel, restaurant, travel and marketing industries. The Regent brand encompasses luxury hotels, resorts, residences and cruises throughout the world to offer discerning travelers The Regent ExperienceSM. Regent Seven Seas operates a fleet of medium-sized luxury cruise ships that visit over 300 ports on all seven continents, including Antarctica, and is consistently ranked among the world”’s top cruise lines. Regent Hotels & Resorts offers a global portfolio of luxury properties in Beijing; Singapore; Taipei; Berlin; Zagreb; Bal Harbour, Florida; Bordeaux; and Turks and Caicos. Future global developments include properties in The Republic of Maldives; Bangkok, Thailand; Phuket Cape Panwa, Thailand; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Manila Bay, the Philippines; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Palmas del Mar, Puerto Rico; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit www.TheRegentExperience.com. “
TACA Unveils New Image - Airline to Provide New Services on Board and on the Ground
Before an audience of hundreds of guests including international press, dignitaries, business partners, frequent flyers and through a live broadcast via satellite to hundreds of TACA employees across the Americas, TACA Chairman and CEO Roberto Kriete introduced the new brand identity by unveiling a new AIRBUS plane showing the freshly painted logo on the tail and body of the plane. The event, held in a hangar at the El Salvador International Airport also included a fashion show featuring the new uniforms for TACA staff designed by internationally acclaimed Colombian designer Isabel Henao.
“At TACA we’re undergoing a complete transformation to gain customer preference,” said Roberto Kriete, Chairman and CEO of TACA. “We’re aware of the complex economic conditions that our industry is facing around the world, but these changes are meant to continue strengthening our airline; they’re part of a long-term business strategy and the result of extensive research.”
Kriete told the audience that TACA has spent the last two and a half years listening carefully to customers, employees and partners, and that this strategy is the company’s intent to have TACA become the airline of choice for today’s modern traveler.
With 39 destinations to 22 countries in North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, TACA will begin to offer passengers a new experience that includes improvements to onboard services, fleet upgrades and an overhaul of the airline’s customer service philosophy.
“Our goal is to offer our customers world-class service that we hope they begin to discover at every touch point with our employees; on the phone, in person or on board,” said Estuardo Ortiz, TACA’s Commercial Vice President. “This means a complete image makeover, but also implies a transformation of our products and our service culture to foster a positive emotional connection with the TACA brand and the overall experience we want to offer our customers across the Americas for years to come.”
This new repositioning strategy has been a collaborative process. The new brand identity was developed by TACA’s marketing team with the help of New York-based Lippincott, one of the world’s leading brand management consulting firms.
The new uniforms were created by Colombian designer Isabel Henao, who has worked with many world-renowned companies and whose creations have been featured in runways from Fashion Week Madrid to Colombiamoda.
“With this new image we wanted to convey a feeling of warmth, dynamism and passion,” said Sarah Sandoval, Marketing Director, TACA. “Our customers will see a more modern image on planes, collateral material, signage and uniforms. We look forward to embarking on this new journey for the benefit of our customers throughout their experience with our brand.”
“TACA is an international airline that connects three Americas which strives to offer world-class service that’s welcoming, friendly and efficient for today’s modern traveler,” added Sandoval.
About TACA
Founded in 1931 and with a history that spans more than 77 years, TACA has made a priority of offering passengers a travel experience marked by friendliness, respect and excellent customer service. Today, TACA flies to 39 destinations in 22 countries in North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, including daily flights to nine of the largest cities in the United States and Toronto, Canada. TACA connects the three Americas with flights to destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, São Paulo, Lima, Quito, Bogota, Caracas and Santo Domingo. “
