New flights have been added on routes from San Antonio International Airport in Texas to many destinations in Mexico. The increase in San Antonio-Mexico airline capacity has soared by 193% to 7,046 departing seats a week for July 2012, up from 2,402 in July 2011.
The 60 departing flights a week to Mexico is up from 23 departures last July, a 161% increase, according to San Antonio Airport System statistics.
Much of the capacity increase is justified by the 50,000 to 75,000 San Antonio houses owned by Mexicans, although some airlines are suffering from falling load factors. VivaAerobus, which provides a direct service to Monterrey three times a week, has a load factor below its 85-90% target.
Mexican airline Interjet flies nonstop between San Antonio and its two Mexico hub airports in Mexico City and Toluca, and is aiming to add a second departure on Sundays to Mexico City and an extra two flights a week to Toluca.
Last year, Aeromexico was the only airline offering San Antonio-Mexico service but even with the extra competition, business remains good, according to Carlos Gutierrez, Aeromexico regional director. “There's an incredible demand. All our flights are full,” he said.
Aeromexico will add a larger, 125-seat aircraft to its San Antonio-Mexico City route starting July 1.