Fifty years ago, on December 16, 1966, Trans-Texas Airways—which later became part of United Airlines through its merger with Continental Airlines—opened its first station in Monterrey, Mexico. United was the only U.S.-based airline doing business in Monterrey at that time, marking an important milestone in opening the door to Mexico for United’s customers.
Luis Rodriguez was one of the Trans-Texas employees responsible for getting the new station up and running on day one. His career at Trans-Texas and Continental spanned 33 years, and his son, Jose Luis Rodriguez, United’s Puerto Vallarta station general manager, has picked up where his dad left off.
Recently, both men got together to recount the early days of United in Monterrey and their shared passion for the company.
“We built that station from the ground up,” the elder Rodriguez said, reminiscing about the Monterrey opening,” and at times, it was a rough start. I remember one story in particular. One day an immigration officer asked me to join him for coffee, and explained to me that we had to have passenger and cargo manifests for each arrival flight; we had no idea. It was a complete learning process.”
When it began, the route, which consisted of one daily turn between Houston, McAllen (Texas) and Monterrey, was celebrated for its positive economic impact on the region, connecting South Texas to the important Mexican industrial center.
When it began, the route, which consisted of one daily turn between Houston, McAllen (Texas) and Monterrey, was celebrated for its positive economic impact on the region, connecting South Texas to the important Mexican industrial center.
Today, a half-century later, United operates more flights to Mexico than to any other country, and serves more destinations in Mexico than any other U.S. carrier. United’s Monterrey routes are still critical conduits for customers on both sides of the Rio Grande, providing access to and from Mexico’s third-largest city and the home to several U.S. corporations, manufacturing operations.
“The flights have been very good for the city and for Mexico. Monterrey is an industrial community and a leader in steel and glass production,” Luis said. “At one point, back in the beginning of the route, the mayors of San Antonio, Austin and Houston flew with us to visit the city, [to help bring attention to the possibility of further U.S. investment] and the town hosted a big party for them.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jose Luis joined Continental in May 1981. Over the course of the next 35 years, he would have the opportunity to work in several stations around Mexico including Mexico City, Zihuatanejo and Cancun, among others, prior to Puerto Vallarta.
Listening to Jose Luis speak about his father, it’s clear why he chose the career that he did. “My father has been my mentor all of my life,” he said. “He has taught me so many lessons—how important it is to do things right the first time, to listen to your people and to work hard. Every time I need something, I call him and he gives me advice.”
Luis and Jose Luis Rodriguez represent two generations of United Airlines in Mexico, and the airline’s decades-long commitment to serving the country and expanding its route network there.
United Airlines celebrates 50 years in Mexico
United first flew Americans to Mexico 50 years ago with a flight to Monterrey and now delivers passengers to 23 Mexican cities—the most of any U.S. carrier.
Mexico’s major cities and beach resort destinations remain popular among U.S. business and leisure travelers. notable favorites include the historic metropolis of Mexico City, the tropical beach resorts of Cancun, and the cosmopolitan city of Monterrey.
Cancun
Boasting some of the world’s finest beaches and second-largest reef, Cancun, located on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean, is a paradise for lovers of the beach and water activities. Its 14-mile strip of beaches offers superb scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Mesoamerican Reef, sportfishing in the Gulf, and every imaginable kind of boating.
Three of the accessible islands are rich with birds and marine life, including Isla Contoy National Park. Also in Cancun or nearby: aquariums, eco-parks and numerous Mayan wonders such as walled cities and the stepped pyramid at Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mexico City
Mexico City may be one of the world’s largest cities, but its chief attractions are surprisingly easy to visit because most are found in walkable clusters.
You’ll find the richest collection of cultural sites in the historic center where you can visit the city’s cathedral, national palace, Palace of Fine Arts and Templo Mayor archaeological site.
The second treasure trove of sights is in the big city park, Bosque de Chapultepec. There you can enjoy a stunning castle, contemporary art museum and the acclaimed National Museum of Anthropology.
Art lovers should undoubtedly make a trip to the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood, which features two museums that pay tribute to Mexico’s most iconic artists: the Frida Kahlo Museum and Diego Rivera-Frida Kahlo Studio Museum.
“I want to thank our customers in Mexico for their loyalty over the past half century and our nearly 1,000 employees across Mexico for their passion and dedication to make United the best airline in the world for everyone we serve,” said Oscar Munoz, ceo of United Airlines .
Monterrey
Monterrey is Mexico’s wealthiest and third-largest metropolitan area. Most of the city is quite modern, although the essence of Old Mexico still lives in the public squares and frequent festivals.
At the Macroplaza, the world’s fourth-largest public square, you can visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palace Museum, Museum of Mexican History and Contemporary Art Museum of Monterrey. At night, watch green lasers shot toward the surrounding mountains from a 220-foot tower.
Families often enjoy Fundidora Park, which includes Sesame Street Park and an ice rink — accessible from the Macroplaza via boat ride or the Santa Lucia Riverwalk.
