BizJet, don't be so hard on ConcordeBoy...

As someone who's more familiar with the Mexico market than the average FT'er (check out the AeroCalifornia forum; just flew back from Mexico yesterday), I agree that IAH-MAD makes sense on a few levels:

1. Connections with Air Europa throughout Spain. It makes plenty of sense that CO should link it's largest hub with a partner.

2. Houston, given it's demographics, has something of a connection with Spain-- more so than with Italy, for example.

3. Houston has service from many Latin America cities that do not have direct service to EWR. I'd say CO is easily the most influential US carrier in Mexico, and a trip from many of these Mexican destinations would require a double connection xxx-IAH-EWR-MAD. The same can be said about connections via IAH-AMS. From what I know from the dozens of friends and acquaintences who have solicited my help for Mexico-Europe tickets, many are not willing to make multiple connections in the name of brand loyalty. A single IAH connection is acceptable.

The route would be _very_ high yield because fares from Mexico to Europe are _not_ cheap!! And as far as equipment, how about one of those EMB5500s-- the super long range RJ with a BF seat?!?! Seriously, though, I think CO could at least start with a 757 summer seasonal, and work up from there.

As an aside, a buddy of mine flew yesterday MTY-MEX-MAD on a full C on AM. $3200 one way that could have gone to CO.....