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AeroMexico, Mexico Tourism Board and Other Travel Industry Partners Promote Safe, Enjoyable Travel to Mexico

Dépèche transmise le 19 mai 2009 par Business Wire

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AeroMexico, the global airline of Latin America, the Mexico Tourism Board and other travel industry partners are joining together to encourage people in the United States, Canada and other countries to travel to Mexico. This collaborative marketing initiative follows major announcements on May 15 by the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that lifted recommendations to avoid travel to Mexico due to H1N1 influenza. The World Health Organization gave its clearance for international travel on May 7, saying that it did not believe it was necessary to restrict travel to any countries, including Mexico, in response to H1N1/swine flu. Nine other countries also ended their travel advisories.

Frank Galan, Vice President, U.S. Division, AeroMexico, said, “We are pleased that the U.S. Department of State and two of the world’s most respected health organizations – the CDC and the World Health Organization – are confident that people can travel safely to Mexico after reviewing the recent international health situation.

“AeroMexico’s top priority at all times is also the safety of the traveling public and others in the communities we serve. Our airline has comprehensive, health-related procedures in place and advanced technological systems on our aircraft to help ensure worry-free, enjoyable travel,” he added

The U.S. State Department dropped its travel alert immediately after the CDC ended its travel warning for all non-essential travel, downgrading it to a basic travel health precaution for those susceptible to complications from any kind of influenza. The CDC also said that any increases in the number of H1N1 flu cases in the U.S. and other countries are not linked directly to Mexico.

Galan said, “We’re now working actively with the Mexico Tourism Board and our hotel, resort destination, car rental and other travel partners to spread the word that it’s time once again to enjoy all that Mexico offers.”

Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board, said, “Mexico’s government and tourism authorities are very satisfied with the decision taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and consequently, the U.S. Department of State, to lift the H1N1 influenza alert against non-essential travel to Mexico. Our main priority continues to be the safety of our citizens and visitors, and with evidence that the flu appears to be less threatening than originally thought, Mexico is ready to welcome back all of its visitors and offer them the hospitality and services that have always distinguished us.

“There is no doubt that the H1N1 has hit our country very hard, especially the tourism sector, an essential part of our economy. Mexico is known for its capacity of coming out of tough situations even stronger, and this will not be the exception. The travel industry - at all levels - is ready to offer its visitors what they come here for: diversity, culture, relaxation, luxury, adventure, world class infrastructure and most importantly, the best service in the world,” added Fitch.

Galan added, “Travelers can reach more than 45 outstanding destinations in Mexico through AeroMexico’s 18 major U.S. and Canadian gateways. These affordably priced flights are scheduled to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers alike.”

On every AeroMexico flight, travelers benefit from a number of operational procedures that have been designed with their comfort and well being in mind. The airline’s strict regulations require all flight operations and crew members on duty to be in good health, and they are subject to medical exams and detailed health assessments before each flight. Food preparation and handling procedures must adhere to careful sanitary guidelines.

The airline’s fleet also features technological safeguards for maintaining superior air quality. On each aircraft, the air conditioning system continually refreshes the interior air every two to three minutes by drawing in exterior air and purifying it with HEPA (high efficiency particle arresting) filters. These filters, which are similar to those used in hospitals, are extremely effective in trapping microscopic particles. The addition of exterior air also replaces oxygen at a much higher rate than it is consumed, resulting in interior air quality levels that exceed airline industry requirements.

Through all these measures, AeroMexico is fulfilling the airline’s responsibilities to its passengers, employees, the general public, and governmental authorities. These steps also allow passengers to enjoy a pleasant travel experience in a carefully managed, secure environment, according to the international standards of quality for which the airline is known and respected.

AeroMexico has been recognized as the “Best Airline in Mexico” in 2008 by readers of both Global Traveler and Business Traveler magazines, two of the world’s leading travel magazines. The airline’s personalized in-flight service includes complimentary meals at meal times and beverages, including cocktails. AeroMexico also stands out with one of the world’s best on-time flight records, the highest safety and quality standards ratings, outstanding reliability and baggage handling performance, and exceptional value based on its competitive fares and superior service.

AeroMexico and its subsidiary, AeroMexico Connect, currently operate more than 600 daily flights through the airline’s new Terminal 2 at its Mexico City International Airport hub to more than 45 destinations in Mexico, 16 U.S. locations in 11 states, two cities in two Canadian provinces, and 12 major cities that include Buenos Aires, Paris and Tokyo in 11 other countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. U.S. cities served are Los Angeles, Ontario (Ca.), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver, San Antonio, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Orlando and Miami. Canadian markets served are Toronto and Montreal. AeroMexico Vacations provides customized vacation travel packages throughout this network. The airline also offers connecting service to other international destinations through its SkyTeam global airline alliance with 11 full member carriers and three associate carriers. Additional information is available at www.aeromexico.com or 1-800-237-6639.