Aerus was supposed to start up flights between Corpus Christi and Monterrey, but a number of factors have kept that plan grounded.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — 3NEWS found one of the most expensive espresso machines you’ll ever see and it’s at the Corpus Christi International Airport.
“Island Joe’s espresso machine . . . is made in Italy, and I believe the price tag on this is over $10,000,” said Corpus Christi Airport Director Kevin Smith. “But I’m gonna guess about $15,000.”
And while that upgrade cost a pretty penny, it won’t be among the most expensive that could come to the airport.
Aerus Airlines’ deal to begin providing tickets for flights between Corpus Christi and Monterrey was was supposed to start in July 2024, and then Fall 2024. Now, that date has been extended to March.
Smith said one of the major hold-ups in getting the project off the ground is a computer-system upgrade.
“Right now the system they use is still in pesos,” he said. “It’s not able to convert US currency, and it’s still in military time, so it’s very difficult for our citizens to use.”
Smith added that Aerus is expected to announce in March that it has a new computer system in place, but, flights aren’t expected to begin now until sometime during the summer — if they begin at all.
Smith said there is concern that the company’s flights out of the Rio Grande Valley are not doing well. If that continues, service may be scrapped for CCIA.
But other upgraded amenities officials have touted in the past are still a go, Smith said.
Island Joe’s opens next month, and when that happens, the old Coastal Bend Bar and Grill will be gutted and renovated.
New carpet also is being installed, and chairs with power outlets will be available for powering cellphones.
Airport officials are also talking with American Airlines on upgrading its service.