GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) ("the Company" or "GAP") announced preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for the month of January 2009 compared to traffic figures for January 2008.
During January 2009, total terminal passengers decreased 15.0% compared to the previous year; international passenger traffic decreased 6.9%, and domestic passenger traffic decreased 19.9% compared to January 2008.
During January 2009, VivaAerobus initiated the La Paz to Culiacan route with two weekly frequencies, as well as Puerto Vallarta to Austin and Los Cabos to Culiacan also operating two frequencies each week. In addition, Interjet began operating at the Los Mochis airport, operating the Los Mochis to Mexico City route.
On February 4, 2009, the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) granted Grupo Mexicana the concession rights to operate a low-cost carrier. The airline, called Mexicana Inter, announced that it would begin coverage of 24 routes, with a fleet of 13 CRJ-200 aircraft, with a capacity of 50 passengers, on March 15, 2009.
Per this announcement, Mexicana Inter is expected to cover some of the frequencies that were previously operated by Alma Airlines, from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, Torreon, Monterrey, Mazatlan, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Veracruz and Tampico.
Company Description:
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates twelve airports throughout Mexico's Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAP's shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "PAC" and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "GAP".
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial conditions, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and article 42 of the "Ley del Mercado de Valores", GAP has implemented a "whistleblower" program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that may involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party that is in charge of collecting these complaints, is 800-759-0045. GAP's Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation.
For more information, visit: http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/ or contact:
In Mexico In the U.S.
Miguel Aliaga, Maria Barona / Peter Majeski
Investor Relations Officer i-advize Corporate Communications
Grupo Aeroportuario del Tel: 212 406 3690
Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V.
