VANCOUVER — The inauguration Dec. 9 of daily Aeromexico flights between Mexico City and Vancouver creates opportunities for business, tourism and trade, said Craig Richmond, president and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority.

Richmond said the non-stop service “opens up” the Latin American market with the airline’s “great onward network connections.”

Aeromexico is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. From its main hub at Mexico City International Airport the airline operates more than 600 daily flights.

Air Canada also offers daily non-stop flights between Vancouver and Mexico City.

“Mexican visitation to Vancouver has increased by 30 per cent since 2013, and we expect to welcome over 85,000 guests by the end of the year,” said Ty Speer, president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver.

“What’s more, they’re affluent, sophisticated and interested in extended visits — a perfect fit for Vancouver and B.C.”

Vancouver is Aeromexico’s third Canadian destination. The airline also flies to Toronto and Montreal.