Mexico is already the top international trade partner of the energy capital of the world. Now, this Latin American country is also the most accessible destination from Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). No other city in the United States offers more weekly flights or access to more destinations in Mexico than Houston. More than 1,100 flights per week offer access to 30 Mexican destinations from IAH. That’s up 15 percent from just a year ago and 64 percent above the frequency average of Los Angeles’ LAX – the airport with the second-largest number of weekly flights to Mexico.

Houston is better connected to Mexico.

Accounting for these significant increases are the city’s all-inclusive air, sea, rail and road transportation network; its central location to the rest of the country and the world; and the exponential growth of passenger traffic at Houston’s airports.

“We’re growing at a tremendous speed and will continue to do so,” said Richard Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “Our market is strong, our airlines are increasing their frequencies and our travelers are enjoying the benefits.”

Just halfway through the year, passenger traffic at Houston’s airports is up by 2 million more passengers than in 2005. At this rate, another 4 million travelers will bring 2006’s total traffic numbers for the year to an all time high – 52 million. Freight poundage is also up at the Houston Airport System.

A large portion of these travelers are Mexican nationals who have found in Houston a lucrative option for shopping, vacationing and doing business. The introduction of regional jets to the industry has also afforded travelers more frequent flights and more competitive rates for traveling to and from Houston.

Air cargo trade between Houston and Mexico was valued at $367.4 million in 2005. The main products moving via air between Houston and Mexico include precious stones, metals, coins, pearls, electrical machinery, equipment and parts.

Yet the market in Houston is anything but saturated. Asia and Latin America have found a way to cost-effectively converge their markets via Houston. Proof of this are the waiting list of carriers seeking to enter the city’s aviation market. Air India, Virgin Nigeria, Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, just to name a few.

From a business perspective, Houston offers unrivaled access to one of the most important corporate markets in the world. Over 3,500 international businesses call Houston home; 600 of these are foreign-owned. In addition, 20 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered within the city limits.

With access to more than 76 international destinations, IAH is now the fourth-fastest growing airport in the world.

As upgrades and developments at Bush Intercontinental Airport continue to flourish, access to and from Mexico, from Houston, will also continue to increase.

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