Background on Aeroméxico and Delta Partnership
In this era of rising protectionism and global polarization, the world of businesses and specific countries are facing significant implications. Mexico, in addition to trade tariffs, migration issues, security concerns, and the fight against drug trafficking, now grapples with bilateral disputes threatening successful strategies built over many years.
The Delta-Aeroméxico Alliance
One such example is the Delta-Aeroméxico partnership, which has been affected by a bilateral aviation agreement dispute. The United States decided to pause the benefits granted to Mexican airlines under the bilateral agreement, and as a result, an innocent party is now facing severe consequences.
Government Decisions and Their Impact
Private companies are bearing the brunt of political disputes between governments. Decisions like sending cargo-exclusive airlines to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) without a one-year transition period, and ignoring the nearly unanimous request from all parties involved, have led to consequences.
- Cargo Airline Mandate: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued several communications, some of which were responded to by directly involved authorities while others were directed to less significant institutions. This disregard for proper channels has resulted in the current situation.
- Slot Limitations at Mexico City Airport: Another contentious decision was to initially limit slots by 15% and later by a similar percentage at Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM), citing security reasons without providing adequate justification. This resulted in U.S. airlines losing slots, showcasing a pattern of disregard from institutions.
Underlying Attitudes and Consequences
At the heart of these issues lies an attitude encapsulated by the question, “Why should the Americans tell us what to do?” This mindset has permeated Mexican aviation’s recent history, from the cancellation of NAIM in Texcoco to the prohibition of the Delta-Aeroméxico joint venture, passing through Category 2 status, the failed OACI audit, and sanctions that keep the bilateral aviation agreement with the U.S. in limbo.
The repercussions may not be immediately visible, but over time, the damage will manifest in missed opportunities (what could have been achieved but wasn’t), reduced connectivity, higher costs, fewer options, and more complicated travel.
Potential Implications for Aeroméxico
One possible consequence is that Aeroméxico’s shareholders, Eduardo Tricio and Valentín Díaz Morodo, might eventually decide to withdraw from Mexico’s flag carrier. While this isn’t explicitly stated, it appears as a potential exit strategy.
The Path Forward
What affects one Mexican airline ultimately impacts the entire nation. It’s crucial to seek solutions, and hopefully, the request to suspend the alliance ban in U.S. courts will succeed. Meanwhile, both governments should come to the negotiation table to discuss new terms civilly.
