AeroGal Begins First-Ever Ecuador/NYC Air Service

4 December 2009
Translate

Five-Star Service and Amenities with Ecuadorian Flair

NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Monday, December 7, 2009, AeroGal, Ecuador’s premier airline, will begin nonstop daily service between John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 4, to José Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil, “the Pearl of the Pacific.” AeroGal will be the only Ecuadorian airline to fly into New York City. They are also the only Ecuadorian airline to fly to the United States, having initiated a flight to Miami in 2007.

The New York route is expected to serve native Ecuadorians returning to their homeland as well as leisure travelers set on exploring Ecuador, rich in culture and boasting the most biodiversity per square kilometer of any place in the world. Ecuadorians are the largest South American Latino group in New York City and New York State, with the highest concentration at more than 100,000 in Queens County, where JFK is located.

With a premium on first-rate service and comfort, AeroGal is raising the bar for the entire industry and making aviation history in Ecuador by offering the first and only flight to the largest city in the United States. AeroGal is also the first airline in the world to achieve Smart Voyager certification, an environmental program established in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance.

“We are extremely proud to be launching this first-ever daily service between New York and Ecuador,” said Gabriela Sommerfeld, President and CEO of AeroGal. “It is a major development for AeroGal, of course, but also for Ecuadorians, both at home and in the U.S., as well as increasing the number of visitors who are experiencing our wonderful country.”

“JFK IAT Terminal 4 is honored to be selected as AeroGal’s gateway to New York,” said Janice Holden, Chief Commercial Officer of JFK IAT, LLC, which operates Terminal 4, home to nearly 40 international and domestic carriers with an annual passenger volume of more than nine million travelers. “Travel to South America for business and leisure has continued to thrive even in these tough economic times, and we are certain AeroGal will be successful. We look forward to offering AeroGal passengers the most efficient travel experience of any New York air terminal. And, as with all of our airline partners, we strive to provide the best services and amenities to airlines and their passengers. Travelers are now able to take advantage of our extensive upgrades and renovations to the restaurants and shops throughout the terminal.”

The Ecuadorian experience begins the minute passengers board the spacious AeroGal Boeing 767, which seats 210 passengers, 25 in business class and 185 in coach. In-flight service is marked by the friendliness and hospitality so prized by Ecuadorians. Before takeoff, passengers are offered a welcome cocktail: champagne, mimosas or orange juice. During flight, traditional Ecuadorian appetizers – empanadas de morocho and chifles – are complemented by juices, soft drinks and liquors, including Khumir, the country’s famed brand of spirits. Hot three-course meals are served and the menus often highlight regional specialties. Following, coffee, tea and a warm cup of canelazo, a popular fiesta drink, are offered. All beverages are complimentary.

In-flight entertainment includes the latest films available in English and Spanish and children receive coloring books. Each seat comes with a pillow and blanket.

AeroGal also provides a variety of member programs and discounts for frequent flyers. AeroGal is offering a special introductory rate round-trip from New York to Guayaquil. Blackout dates and other restrictions apply. For more information, visit www.aerogal.com.ec

The schedule for the new route is:

Flight #: 701 Flight #: 700
Departs: JFK 11:59 p.m.
Arrives: GYE 6:20 a.m.

Departs: GYE 3:10 p.m.
Arrives: JFK 9:30 p.m.

Sustainable Tourism with Smart Voyager Certification
As part of its commitment to their customers and to Ecuador and sustainable tourism, AeroGal pursued and was the first airline to receive Smart Voyager certification. This voluntary program was developed by the Ecuadorian nonprofit Consevación y Desarrollo in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance. It awards its green seal of approval to operators meeting a set of strict conservation standards for protecting the environment and wildlife as well as the well-being of workers and local communities. Beyond this certification, AeroGal has developed a complete and permanent plan to reduce and mitigate negative impacts on the environment by the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle) and by the treatment and adequate disposal of waste. “We are an airline that cares about the communities it operates in and the skies it flies to,” concluded Sommerfeld.

For more information please visit http://www.aerogal.com.ec/

Comments