OREANDA-NEWS. Volaris, the largest, Mexican, low-cost airline, arrived in Phoenix October 19 with its initial flight from Guadalajara, Mexico. In June the airline announced that it will begin service at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with two cities; Guadalajara and Mexico City, three times weekly to each. The Mexico City start date will be December 4, 2013.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Councilmembers Nowakowski and Simplot and Arizona business and tourism leaders traveled to Guadalajara last week for meetings with their counterparts and returned on the first Volaris flight Saturday morning, along with the Volaris CEO, Enrique Beltranena. Upon landing in Phoenix, Mayor Stanton said, “We are so fortunate in this community to have another way to welcome our friends, family and business partners from Mexico, thanks to Volaris. Phoenix Sky Harbor is continuing to recover from the national economic downturn and new airlines joining our airport is true evidence of that,” he added. The Mayor went on to say that he is looking forward to additional service being announced on Volaris as well as expected additional service from the “New American Airlines,” pending a merger announcement. He said, “I am supportive of a US Airways-American merger and am confident that it will bring long-term gains to Phoenix, the Valley and to Arizona.”

Sky Harbor currently serves 20 international cities with nonstop service, including several daily flights to Guadalajara on US Airways. With the addition of Phoenix to its network, Volaris will serve a total of 11 destinations in the U.S. including airports in California, Colorado, Nevada, Illinois and Florida.

Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris, said, “For nearly 1.7 million residents of Mexican origin living in Phoenix and for all of Arizona, this is a great day as we offer an outstanding way to travel at the best fares. We are helping to bring together families and friends on both sides of the border.” Acting Aviation Director, Tamie Fisher was on the inaugural flight after attending meetings in Guadalajara. She said, “The Volaris staff was so friendly and welcoming; they will be a great addition to America's Friendliest Airport.”