Five New Routes Additional American Airlines Flights On Taxiway

By Ashley D. Torres
Five new airline routes and additional flights to American Airlines destinations are planned for Miami International Airport in 2011.

Delta Air Lines, which has expanded its presence at Miami’s airport, is to begin non-stop service to Jacksonville on March 26 and to London Heathrow Airport on March 27.

Non-stop service between Miami and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is to launch March 27 on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. In addition, the Dutch low-cost airline ArkeFly is also to begin service from Miami to Amsterdam on June 24.

Iberia Airlines, a oneworld alliance member with American Airlines, is to launch non-stop service between Miami and Barcelona beginning March 28.

While some airlines establish routes because of the strong Miami market, others are attracted by airline alliance partners, said Chris Mangos, the airport’s marketing director.

For example, when KLM established service to Miami, the airline could have analyzed the strength of an Amsterdam route, Mr. Mangos said, as well as the opportunity to be in the South Terminal with its alliance partners such as Delta. In addition, airlines can cut costs by providing services through partner airlines.

Miami airport’s new route development program also works to establish routes by analyzing potential markets, collaborating with air service consulting firms and, if the market shows promise, conducting a feasibility study. The study is then presented to airlines serving the targeted market. However, once an airline shows interest, Mr. Mangos said, it can take another five to seven years to allocate aircraft and establish a service program.

The airport’s route development program has worked to initiate more service to Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In addition, the airport looks to have one route each from northern, Sub-Saharan and southern Africa in the coming years.

Hong Kong, Japan and mainland China are locations the airport has pursued for several years as a result of a 2½ year delay on Boeing 787 aircraft that could make the long haul from South Florida to Asia. Nonetheless, service to Japan on either All Nippon Airways or Japan Airlines, Mr. Mangos said, is anticipated in the future.

In addition to new routes, the airport is also to see an increase in flights from American Eagle and American airlines.

"As we continue to grow our hub in Miami," said Martha Pant"n, American Airlines spokesperson here, "we continue to be able to add additional flights, further strengthening the hub."

Beginning in February, American is to begin a fifth flight from Miami to Cancun, Mexico, followed by additional flights to Baltimore, Los Angeles and Madrid in April. American is also to increase service to St. Thomas and St. Croix in June.

American Eagle, American Airlines’ regional affiliate, is also to increase service in April to La Romana (Casa de Campo), Dominican Republic, to five times per week.

World Trade Center Miami to host State of Ports address in February. Read the complete story in e-Miami Today.