Albuquerque's airport, or Sunport, has long proclaimed itself: "Albuquerque International Airport," but that has been more wishful thinking than reality. However, on Feb. 9, 2009, the first international flight will arrive ... from the city of Chihuahua, Mexico, via Aeromexico.
To begin, the flight will be offered in both directions 3 days a week, which doesn't sound like much. But airline representatives and New Mexico State Tourism and Economic Development departments see this as a major step in promoting international tourism and trade between New Mexico and the State of Chihuahua (from which so many of our immigrants hail).
In a meeting held Jan. 15 at the Tamaya Resort, a posh Hyatt Regency property on Santa Ana Pueblo land near Bernalillo, NM (north of Albuquerque), more than 100 travel, tourism and media industry professionals filled a large room to hear about this new opportunity, which will be celebrated at the Sunport on its inaugural flight day, Feb. 9.
The Chihuahua flight will provide connections (although not necessarily direct connections) to Monterrey, Mexico City, Torreon and Guadalajara, cities better associated with Mexico's upper class than Chihuahua. Golf, skiing and medical tourism were cited as major reasons Mexicans might be inclined to visit the "Land of Enchantment". No one spoke of the reasons New Mexicans might clamor to visit Chihuahua, as there seem to be none.
Despite the historic precedent of an international flight to the Sunport, it seems dubious that this small connection, from a relatively obscure city, will have much impact on New Mexico's economy. Of course, any new idea for economic growth are greeted with bravos, but I have to wonder: Why Chihuahua? And the quoted round-trip fare -- above $400 for an 80-minute flight, makes me sputter -- Aye Chihuahua!
Although I personally lack vision about this, my new venture, BridgesToSantaFe (please excuse our website, it is being overhauled) will explore opportunities to participate in and support this first-foray, on the part of the NM State agencies, into international flights, and remain hopeful that good things will result.
