By The Star Staff
A 43-year-old Colombian was welcomed in a festive atmosphere after becoming the 11 millionth passenger to arrive in Puerto Rico through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (LMM) on Tuesday.
“This historic figure anticipates other passenger movement records in December and in the years to come,” said Jorge Hernández, president of LMM operator Aerostar Puerto Rico. “It is good news for the airport community, the tourism industry, and the island.”
To celebrate the event, Aerostar welcomed the traveler upon his leaving Terminal B with a lively celebration to the sound of Afro-Caribbean rhythms performed by the Gíbaro ensemble and numerous gifts to commemorate the day.
The 11 millionth passenger is Héctor Julián Romero, a Colombian businessman. His arrival on the island occurred at 11:55 a.m. on Avianca flight 214, from Bogotá, Colombia.
Upon arrival of the flight, he was received by the Aerostar team, headed by Hernández as well as representatives of the Tourism Company and the airline.
Hernández welcomed Romero on behalf of the airport community. The Aerostar staff received him with traditional Puerto Rican items and gave him a check for $1,100, courtesy of the company. In addition, an Avianca representative gave Romero a round-trip ticket to return to the island.
“The Luis Muñoz Marín airport is consolidating itself in a competitive industry,” Hernández said. “On December 27, 2022, we celebrated with great joy the arrival of the 10 millionth passenger through our facilities. This year, 2023, in 11 months, we have surpassed that number, and we welcome with satisfaction the news that we have reached 11 million passengers.”