SkyTeam carriers Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines have filed with US authorities for anti-trust immunity for a joint venture on flights between the USA and Mexico, taking the next step in deepening their partnership.
"The application marks a significant step in the creation of a $1.5 billion joint venture that, if approved, will allow Delta and Aeromexico to operate more effectively on routes between the US and Mexico for the benefit of its customers," say the two carriers in a joint statement.
The joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals, including that from competition watchdogs. If approved, it will allow both carriers to expand their networks in Mexico and the USA.
Delta and Aeromexico also plan to co-locate and invest in airport facilities such as improving gates and lounges, as well as collaborate in sales and marketing activities, they say.
"The potential to combine and align our networks and scheduling means that we will be able to offer greater customer choice that would not have been viable to operate individually," says Aeromexico chief executive Andres Conesa.
Delta president Ed Bastian says: "Mexico is the most popular international destination for Delta customers, and our proposed joint venture will offer our customers more schedule and destination choices."
Both airlines have stated their plans to engage in a joint venture since last year. Delta and its pension trust hold a combined 9% stake in Aeromexico, and the two airlines have a MRO joint venture. Both airlines also codeshare on several routes.
The two carriers' plan for deeper collaboration comes as the USA and Mexico are set to remove limits on the number of carriers that can serve on US-Mexico city pairs from 1 January 2016.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
