PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – Alaska Airlines launched its first direct flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Puerto Vallarta on Saturday, January 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Jalisco‘s efforts to enhance air connectivity. The new route, operating four weekly flights on Boeing 737-900 aircraft, aims to cater to the growing demand for travel to this popular beach destination.
The inaugural flight, capable of carrying 178 passengers, was welcomed by local officials and tourism leaders. Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Secretary of Tourism for Jalisco, emphasized the economic and social benefits of the new route. “Opening new routes creates opportunities for tourism, commerce, and social development. When tourism is managed correctly, it benefits both visitors and local communities,” she said during the reception event.
The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, adding 712 seats weekly to the New York-Puerto Vallarta route. Cryshtian Amador Lizardi, Director of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, highlighted the significance of the new connection. “This route underscores Puerto Vallarta’s appeal to U.S. tourists. With 47% of our traffic coming from the U.S., this addition strengthens our position as a top destination,” he said.
Alaska Airlines, now the fifth-largest operator at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, has steadily expanded its presence in the region. In 2024, the airline accounted for 8% of the airport’s total operations, with 1,868 flights and a 92% occupancy rate. The new route adds 1,246 additional seats weekly, further solidifying the airline’s commitment to the region.
Miguel Arreola, Alaska Airlines’ Station Manager in Puerto Vallarta, expressed enthusiasm for the new route. “This addition reflects our dedication to offering more options to our passengers and connecting more U.S. cities to Puerto Vallarta,” he said. By 2025, Alaska Airlines will connect 11 U.S. cities directly to Puerto Vallarta, reinforcing its role as a key player in promoting the destination internationally.
The event was also attended by Luis Ernesto Munguía González, Mayor of Puerto Vallarta, and Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, Secretary of Tourism for Nayarit, underscoring the collaborative efforts to boost regional tourism.
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