The first completely privately built airport in Mexico, the Mar de Cortes International Airport (PPE), recently opened for commercial service in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, providing U.S. travelers with easy accessibility to the Sea of Cortez.
The airport, built by hotel and resort developer Grupo Vidanta, is also accompanied by several resort and residential developments in the region. While Puerto Penasco is about a three-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., the area has often been difficult for residents of Los Angeles; Las Vegas; and Albuquerque, N.M. to reach. With the new airport, the destination is less than an hour by plane from Phoenix and less than two hours by plane from Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Albuquerque.
“The commencement of commercial air service to Puerto Penasco represents a milestone in the development of one of Mexico’s most exciting and now accessible tourism destinations,” said Fernando Antillon, PPE director.
Completion of the entire airport project, including new terminal facilities, is expected by 2012 and negotiations are currently under way for charter service from gateways in Canada and the U.S. as well as regional scheduled service from Phoenix and Hermosillo, Mexico, with such carriers as Aeromexico and US Airways.
www.grupovidanta.com
