Summary
- American Airlines launched new daily service to Tijuana from Phoenix on Thursday.
- The inaugural flight landed in Tijuana after about an hour and 35 minutes of flying time.
- Phoenix officials expect the new flight to generate millions of dollars in economic impact yearly.
American Airlines added to its already extensive operation at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) last week. Growing the number of international destinations offered, the airline started service to Tijuana, Mexico.
Flights between the two cities will operate daily with differing aircraft equipment. Officials hope the new service will result in over $8 million of annual economic impact in Phoenix.
Flight details
American officially began the new route on Thursday with its contracted regional partner, SkyWest Airlines, operating under the American Eagle brand. The inaugural flight – AA4841 on an Embraer E175 regional aircraft – pushed back from gate B16 at 11:06, nine minutes early from its scheduled departure time of 11:15, according to FlightAware. The aircraft then taxied to Runway 7L for its departure and was airborne by 11:42.
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Taking off to the east, the plane quickly climbed in altitude and turned back to the west. Once it reached 14,000 feet, it turned southwest, intercepting its flight path to Tijuana. 20 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft was flying over southwestern Arizona and leveled off at its cruising altitude of 34,000 feet.
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
It maintained the altitude for only five minutes before gradually beginning its initial descent. Flying west, just south of the California-Mexico border, the E175 descended to around 3,500 before lining up for its final approach. It landed on Runway 27 at Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) at 11:35 local time and arrived at its gate three minutes later, marking a total flight time of one hour and 35 minutes.
Growing the economy
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego commented on the new service on Thursday.
“Phoenix and Mexico share strong trade and tourism connections, and this new direct route to Tijuana further reinforces our partnership,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We expect the new flight to generate 10 million dollars in economic impact every year and ultimately help us on our mission to diversify and fortify Phoenix’s growing economy, particularly in the manufacturing industry.”
The return flight, which shares the same flight number, departed from TIJ at 12:20 and landed back at PHX at 14:39 local time. It flew at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet and pulled into its gate at 14:50, accounting for a one hour and 30 minute flight time.
“I want to thank the great Aviation Team and American Airlines for all of their hard work to make today’s announcement possible,” Gallego explained.
“Making travel easier”
TIJ is American’s 14th Mexican destination from its hub at PHX. The airport’s international flights also “provide important economic benefits” to the greater Phoenix area. Before the pandemic, international flights had a yearly economic impact of $3 billion, according to PHX.
“Sky Harbor is the gateway to our community, and with this new nonstop service to Tijuana, we are now connecting to even more destinations throughout Mexico, making travel easier and more efficient for anyone who wants to get away for vacation, or learn more of the great things Phoenix has to offer,” said Phoenix Vice Mayor, Debra Stark. “Phoenix continues to attract new airline service because we are cost-effective and great partners.”
Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying
The E175 has a total capacity of 76 passengers in a two-class format. The route will also be operated by the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet on select days, which accommodates 65 passengers in a two-class configuration.
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