Delta and Aeromexico are to start their long-awaited joint co-operation agreement (JCA) after fulfilling conditions set down by competition authorities in both the US and Mexico.
The two carriers say that the transborder alliance is the first of its kind between US and Mexican airlines, which will allow them to operate more flights, introduce new destinations and run “more convenient schedules”.
Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO, said: “The ability to cooperate fully with Aeromexico brings additional competition to one of the most dynamic transborder markets in the world.
“Our opportunity to leverage Delta’s experience and our proven record of successful joint ventures, together with a long history of working with Aeromexico, will make this a great JCA.”
The agreement also allows the two airlines to work more closely together at airports and to run joint sales and marketing campaigns in both countries.
Aeromexico CEO Andres Conesa added: “This historic agreement is very important for our customers, who will benefit from a greater choice of flights and connectivity between both countries.
“We are also pleased that this agreement will help strengthen the relationship between Mexico and the United States by offering greater connectivity between the two countries than ever before.”
As part of the deal, Delta has increased its shareholding in Aeromexico to 36.2 per cent with options to increase this stake up to 49 per cent.
Being a minority stakeholder in a joint venture partner is part of Delta’s corporate strategy – the US airline already owns a 49 per cent in Virgin Atlantic as well as operating a joint venture with Virgin across the Atlantic.