Caracas Simon Bolivar Airport

Houston airport operator envisions Hobby offering international flights in 12 markets

Studies carried out on behalf of the Houston Airport System (HAS) to examine the viability of international flights from Houston Hobby airport contemplate a two-phased introduction of 12 markets to Mexico and Central America. Southwest Airlines is pushing for facilities at Hobby to support international flights, but research conducted shows that Mexican low cost carriers VivaAerobus and Volaris would also have an interest to operate international service from Hobby. It is not surprising United has mounted vehement opposition to Southwest’s campaign, as it enjoys majority carrier status in most of those markets with its service offerings from Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Earlier this year Southwest asked Houston Airport System (HAS) to conduct a feasibility study for the addition of a five-gate terminal at Houston Hobby Airport to support international flights. Houston is Southwest’s sixth largest city based on daily departures, and the city’s geographical location makes it an ideal destination for short-haul international flights to Mexico and Central and South America. Data in the study conducted on behalf of HAS show that Houston was the point of entry for 64% of Mexican visitors travelling by air to the US in 2010. Through its acquisition of AirTran, previously domestic-only Southwest is gaining knowledge of international operations now that it is managing AirTran’s network, which includes flights to the Caribbean and Central America.

Spirit goes to new lengths to press its case for Venezuela

Spirit Airlines’ quest to attain long-coveted service to Venezuela took an interesting turn when the carrier seized on an opportunity to criticise the Venezuelan Government for foot-dragging on its authorisation to serve the country through a routine renewal of US-Venezuela authority for small cargo charter carrier Sundance Air Venezuela. Spirit appears to be seizing on any opportunity to highlight the Venezuelan Government’s slow approval process for its flights to the country.

Gol’s return to Miami signals strategy shift following investment from Delta

Plans by Brazil’s Gol to re-enter the US market, with Boeing 737NG service expected to be launched later this year to Miami, marks a significant shift in the carrier’s strategy of focussing on growing its domestic footprint in Brazil. The mindset change was likely influenced by Delta Air Lines, which late last year acquired a 3% stake in the low-cost carrier and gained a seat on Gol’s board.

During the past few years, Gol has taken a conservative approach to its international expansion, dropping several international destinations in favour of additional domestic capacity aimed at meeting fast growing demand from the country’s expanding middle class. Gol currently only serves five other countries in South America and operates a few low-frequency, primarily seasonal routes to the Caribbean.

Aeromexico IPO caps dramatic turnaround

Aeromexico is looking to leverage its significantly improved competitive position and financial outlook by pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) which will help fund the next phase of its expansion plan.

Airline alliances in Latin America provoking major changes. How TAM helps Star

Despite strong growth in several markets, Latin America’s aviation scene is in flux—perhaps more so than any other geographic region on the globe. Political and economic instability have been rampant across the region and continue to be a part of the 21st century landscape. The latest difficulties have been manifest as political unrest in Venezuela and continuing economic turmoil in Argentina, to name just two.