Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) and Grupo Aeroméxico (AM, México City International) have signed a joint cooperation agreement (JCA) to operate transborder flights between the United States and Mexico. A statement from Delta says that this is the first immunised transborder alliance between the two countries after it was cleared by both the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Mexico's Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE).
"The ability to cooperate fully with Aeromexico brings additional competition to one of the most dynamic transborder markets in the world," said Delta CEO, Ed Bastian.
Aeromexico CEO Andres Conesa concurred. "This historic agreement is very important for our customers, who will benefit from a greater choice of flights and connectivity between both countries," he said.
As previously reported, Delta recently upped its investment in Aeromexico's parent Grupo Aeromexico to 36.2% of its outstanding shares, with options to acquire an additional 12.8% for a total of 49%.
Under the JCA, Aeromexico will have access to Delta's hubs at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Detroit Metropolitan, Los Angeles International, Minneapolis St. Paul International, New York JFK, Salt Lake City and Seattle Tacoma International, while Delta will enjoy greater access to Mexico through Aeromexico's hubs at México City International, Monterrey Mariano Escobedo and Guadalajara.
The two companies will jointly invest in airport facilities, boarding gates and lounges, and will also work on joint sales and marketing initiatives.
