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New Mexico Airlines Expands Air Service to include Ruidoso, Midland/Odessa, El Paso

New Mexico Airlines, a subsidiary of Pacific Wings, now offers daily air service into Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, located 15 miles northwest of Ruidoso, from Midland/Odessa, Albuquerque and other southern New Mexico cities. Ruidoso flights to and from El Paso are set to begin March 1, 2008.

These new flights join New Mexico Airlines’ current offerings of daily air service linking Albuquerque, Hobbs, Carlsbad and Alamogordo; and daily air service between those cities and Midland/Odessa and El Paso, Texas, in addition to Ruidoso.

“We’re very lucky that this service now includes Ruidoso as a destination as well as a stop for those traveling to other areas,” said Ruidoso Director of Tourism Steve Tally.

Flight schedules range from mid- to late-morning and early- to mid-afternoon for convenience and flexibility. Passengers flying to and from Midland will also benefit from non-stop service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Talley said flights will be around $200 roundtrip and can be booked via www.newmexicoairlines.com or by calling 1-888-564-6119.

“The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce wants to help promote the convenience and proximity of the service to both business and consumer travelers,” said Brad Treptow, executive director for the Chamber. ”This area is positioned to benefit significantly throughout the entire year based on the variety of attractions, activities and events offered.”

Pacific Wings CEO Greg Kahlstorf agreed. “Ruidoso is a year-round destination. We’re happy to bring people together in serving Ruidoso with air service throughout the year. Our business model in New Mexico allows us to serve rural and remote communities in a cost-effective and affordable manner.”

New Mexico Tourism Department Secretary Michael Cerletti welcomed the news. “The previously limited direct air service to New Mexico from the nations’ major markets has long hampered the efforts of New Mexico’s tourism industry to reach out to these markets effectively.

“This decision by New Mexico Airlines, joining with American Eagle’s current offering of direct daily flights between Roswell and Dallas-Fort Worth, means New Mexico will no longer be this country’s best-kept secret.”

Passengers staying in Ruidoso will have access to rental cars through Enterprise Rent-a-car. Two taxi services are available as well through Alto Taxi Service and Dollar Cab.

For more information, visit www.newmexicoairlines.com; or contact Brad Treptow, Executive Director, Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, 575-257-7395.