Related article: Low One-Way Fares Introduce Alaska's SNA-PVR Flights

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Alaska Airlines' new flight from Orange County's John Wayne International Airport was received with the traditional pomp and circumstance on Friday, October 9 at the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, the gateway to the Riviera Nayarit.

"First of all, our thanks to Alaska Airlines for having been one of the few companies that maintained uninterrupted service during the economic crisis in 2008. We value their faith in and commitment to Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit - they didn't abandon us then and now that the recovery is here they're still opening new flights," said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The direct flight will operate three weekly frequencies on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for one year starting last Friday, increasing connectivity with California, the top destination of origin for US tourists to the Banderas Bay region.

Alaska Airlines is one of the airlines with the most connectivity from the West Coast of the United States to the region; besides the California flights, they also operate several from Washington and Oregon.

Municipal and state leaders were present to welcome the flight, as were those in charge of the tourism promotion in both destinations. The presence of top executives from Alaska Airlines allowed for a dialogue regarding future operations between the airline and the vacation destinations.

Aeroméxico to increase frequency

Speaking of new flights, Aeroméxico has announced that from October 27 through December 26, 2015, they will be opening another flight to and from Mexico City in addition to the four daily flights currently operating.