Delta responds to DOT’s decision to end its partnership with Aeromexico

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Delta Air Lines said Monday it was deeply disappointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s tentative decision to terminate its approval of Delta and Aeromexico’s procompetitive Joint Cooperation Agreement.

“This unprecedented, regulatory overreach by the DOT will cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S and Mexico. Mexico is our country’s second largest trading partner and the Delta/Aeromexico Joint Cooperation Agreement, which is responsible for the launch of 15 routes between the U.S. and Mexico, has been critical to connecting communities and businesses in both countries, while generating substantial economic benefits for U.S. businesses”, Delta said in a statement.

Delta said it will take all necessary steps to protect the millions of consumers that have benefitted from its strategic partnership.

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Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said it did not plan to renew the antitrust immunity under which Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico currently operate a codeshare agreement, after the Mexican government breached bilateral aviation agreements and made sweeping changes to the main airport in the nation’s capital.

Last year, Mexican authorities moved cargo flights from Mexico City International Airport (AICM), the country’s busiest airport, to the new Felipe Angeles International Airport, located on the outskirts of the city.

Later, slot availabilities for commercial flights were slashed in another bid to reduce saturation at AICM.

The actions are to the detriment of existing carriers and potential new entrants, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which has long been unhappy with slot allocations at the airport.

The decision is pending a final ruling, the department said, adding that the companies tentatively have until Oct. 26 to wind down their joint venture.