Background on Aeroméxico and Delta’s Partnership
Aeroméxico, Mexico’s flagship airline, has maintained a strategic alliance with Delta Air Lines since 2016. This partnership has granted them antitrust immunity, allowing for joint pricing strategies, capacity management, and revenue sharing on the Mexico-US route. Delta Air Lines also holds a 20% stake in Aeroméxico.
USDOT’s Decision to Revoke Antitrust Immunity
On September 15, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) decided to end antitrust immunity for Aeroméxico and Delta’s partnership starting January 1, 2026. This decision stems from the USDOT’s claim that Mexico has violated the 2015 Mexico-US Air Transport Agreement since 2022 by restricting cargo airline operations at Mexico City International Airport and limiting the maximum number of aircraft movements.
Impact on Aeroméxico and Delta
The USDOT’s decision means that Aeroméxico and Delta can no longer enforce common pricing policies, capacity management, or revenue distribution. However, they can still collaborate through competitive activities such as code-sharing, marketing, and frequent traveler programs.
Moreover, Delta will retain its 20% stake in Aeroméxico, and both airlines can continue operating their current routes between the US and Mexico without restrictions.
Aeroméxico’s Response
In a statement, Aeroméxico expressed regret over the USDOT’s decision, emphasizing that it disregards the benefits their alliance has brought to connectivity, tourism, and consumers in Mexico.
Despite the setback, Aeroméxico assured its customers that their existing code-share agreements with Delta will remain intact, ensuring uninterrupted access to both airlines’ extensive networks.
Furthermore, the reciprocity of frequent traveler programs will continue without changes, allowing customers to accumulate and redeem points as usual.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does the USDOT’s decision mean for Aeroméxico and Delta? The airlines can no longer enforce common pricing, capacity management, or revenue distribution policies. However, they can still collaborate through code-sharing, marketing, and frequent traveler programs.
- Will Aeroméxico’s code-share agreements with Delta be affected? No, Aeroméxico has confirmed that existing code-share agreements will remain in place, ensuring uninterrupted access to both airlines’ networks.
- What happens to Delta’s 20% stake in Aeroméxico? Delta will retain its 20% ownership in Aeroméxico, and both airlines can continue operating their current routes between the US and Mexico without restrictions.
- How will this decision impact customers? Customers can continue accumulating and redeeming frequent traveler points as usual. Moreover, code-sharing agreements will ensure seamless connectivity between the two airlines.
