Aeroméxico will commence flights between Mexico City (MEX) and Tampa (TPA) on July 1, marking the first time in 30 years that any airline has offered service between the two cities. The carrier will fly the route daily utilizing its Embraer E190 aircraft, which seats 88 passengers in economy class and 11 in its premium cabin. The flight will depart Tampa at 10:00 a.m. and arrive in Mexico City at 3:20 p.m. local time. The return flight will leave Mexico City at 4:35 p.m. and land in Tampa at 6:14 p.m. local time. 

The Route's Significance 

Tampa is Aeroméxico's 23rd U.S. destination in the United States and third in Florida, behind Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO). The city was one of Aeroméxico's top unserved U.S. markets and one of Tampa Airport's top targets. Tampa Airport's CEO Joe Lopano was "proud to welcome Aeroméxico to TPA with this nonstop service to Mexico City and [is] grateful to our Tampa Bay community partners who have stepped up to help ensure the success of this flight." His sentiments underscore the victory for both Tampa Bay Airport and Aeroméxico.

The flight is expected to generate nearly $70 million annually in economic impacts for Tampa Bay. Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO of Tampa Bay, claimed it was a "huge win for Tampa Bay and the entire state of Florida" since the flight will further amplify strong business ties with the two regions. Others had similar sentiments regarding leisure travel impacts between the two cities. 

Brian Lowack, President and CEO of Visit St. Peter Clearwater, emphasized that the city's "award-winning beaches and attractions remain a key factor in bringing more visitors to Pinellas County and [their] entire region" as a testament to its growing cultural scene and international presence. 

Besides leisure and business travel, many people in Tampa have family ties to Mexico and throughout the rest of Latin America. Over 25% of the city has a Hispanic population, which is about on par with the state's 27.1% Hispanic population. Chris Steinocher, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, asserted that the new route "opens many connections across all Mexico." He further claims that "local businesses can only prosper from the opportunities this announcement brings to [the] area."