AeroMexico and the Medical Tourism Association announced today a new partnership to support a medical tourism initiative for patients traveling from the United States to Latin American markets for medical treatment. The Medical Tourism Association has designated AeroMexico as the preferred airline for patients of its medical service providers in Latin America. The association cited the airline's superior service and industry leadership position with more non-stop flights than any other airline from the United States to Mexico City with connecting service to other Latin American destinations, including Brazil, Colombia (beginning June 16), Argentina and Peru. Patients, whose needs range from medical and dental care to cosmetic surgery, and their travel companions will be eligible for special travel packages through the airline's designated travel wholesalers and the AeroMexico and Medical Tourism Association Web sites.

Demand among U.S. residents for medical treatment, including elective surgery, in other countries is projected to quadruple from 1.5 million patients in 2008 to six million in 2010 as individuals as well as health insurance companies and employers seek quality medical care alternatives that are either not available or not as affordable in the United States. By 2017, it is estimated that as many as 23 million Americans could be traveling internationally and spending almost $79.5 billion per year for medical care, according to the "Deloitte Report, Medical Tourism, Consumers in Search of Value, 2008."

Frank Galan, Vice President, U.S. Operations, AeroMexico, said, "We are pleased to partner with the Medical Tourism Association and support the travel needs of patients who seek quality medical treatment in Latin American countries."