American adds new city in Mexico just days after United does
American Airlines is adding service to yet another new city in Mexico.
The Fort Worth-based carrier just announced that it will launch service to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, beginning Dec. 3.
American will operate this new year-round, twice-weekly route from its megahub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
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The carrier will outsource the flying to its wholly owned subsidiary Envoy Air onboard the Embraer E175 jet, featuring 12 first-class seats, 20 Main Cabin Extra seats and 44 standard economy seats.
Puerto Escondido will become American's 30th destination in Mexico — a whopping amount that's far higher than any other U.S. airline.
Last month, American inaugurated a service to Tampico, and later this year, the airline will add a new service from Oklahoma City to Cancun. Just last year, the airline added three new destinations in Mexico: Tijuana, Tulum and Veracruz.
"With the announcement of American's 30th destination in Mexico — Puerto Escondido — we further solidify our position as the leading U.S. airline in the country with an operation and network that is unmatched," Jose Freig, American's vice president of international, said in a statement.
While American is the leading U.S. carrier to Mexico by most measures — flights, seats and destinations — the Puerto Escondido addition feels a bit more like a copycat game.
That's because United Airlines inaugurated once-weekly flights to Puerto Escondido just last week.
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Airlines aren't shy about mimicking their competitors, especially across the network planning department. They examine what flights and routes perform well for competitors and sometimes decide to add those same routes themselves.
United first announced Puerto Escondido flights last October, and the Chicago-based carrier will enjoy a monopoly in the market until American launches flights later this year.
American's launch will certainly add more seats and plenty more one-stop connecting options for flyers. The new flights might also help lower the fares in the market, making it a win-win for consumers.
Puerto Escondido is on the coast of Oaxaca, and it's known for its beaches, nightlife and more, making it an ideal escape for those looking to trade the winter blues for some sunshine.
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