Customs facility may determine whether Rockford gets Mexican airline
An ultra-low-cost Mexican airline has preliminarily chosen to fly out of Gary/Chicago International Airport in Indiana this summer, but Rockford still has a chance to win the service.
"It's not a final decision yet and we are still evaluating both options. We´ve already filed for Gary airport, but this negotiation can fall if needed elements are not in place," said JuanCarlos Zuazua Cosío, spokesman for vivaAerobus, in an e-mail Tuesday evening.
"The door is now open for both Gary and Rockford airports and our interest continues to fly to one of these alternate Chicago airports."
Its decision may hinge on a U.S. Customs facility: Rockford has one and Gary doesn't. Gary airport officials are seeking approval for one, as well as at least $3 million to build it. If they don't succeed, they won't get international flights.
VivaAerobus filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday to let it fly from Gary to its hub in Monterrey, Mexico, where travelers can connect to 19 other cities. Service would start July 1.
Zuazua said the airline is seeking a way to attract as much of the Chicago-area Mexican population as it can with low prices. Part of the criteria is which airport will give it the best deal by cutting fees and other costs.
VivaAerobus's model is similar to Irish carrier Ryanair and U.S. startup Skybus. The airlines offer low fares - often starting at the U.S. equivalent of $10 - but no frills or amenities common in other airlines.
"There is a huge market, mainly because the current services between Mexico and the U.S. are really expensive," Zuazua said.
Besides Mexicans living here and in Mexico, the airline is targeting U.S. tourists and business travelers.
Zuazua did not say why the airline made Gary its first choice.
Chris Curry, Gary's airport director, said the airline liked its proximity to Chicago and its existing commuter-rail link to downtown.
"We don't compete with Rockford, we just want to make that known," Curry said. "They're (VivaAerobus) looking for a certain type of demographic and I think that Gary, simply based on location, was a good option for them."
Bob O'Brien, executive director of Chicago Rockford International Airport, said the filing signals the airline's "intent" but doesn't necessarily mean it will follow through with the plan.
"Most would read it to say what you might think it says. I don't view it that way," O'Brien said Tuesday. "But I must acknowledge the obvious, Gary is their orientation. It's ours to win, not lose."
The Rockford airport's only international service is winter seasonal service to Cancun, Mexico. Summer seasonal flights to Shannon, Ireland, are expected to start this year.
VivaAerobus would be the second airline at the Gary airport. Ultra-low-cost carrier Skybus starts daily service to Greensboro, N.C., on Thursday.
VivaAerobus was cofounded by the family behind European low-cost giant Ryanair.
The airline also wants to start service from Las Vegas to Monterrey in July, as well as additional routes from Austin, Texas, to Mexico.
ATA Airlines will halt flights from Chicago Midway International Airport to Mexico on June 7, according to The Associated Press. That leaves the airline without nonstop service to Mexico and would give VivaAerobus an opening.
Thomas V. Bona can be reached at (815) 987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.