Delta and Aeromexico: The SkyTeam Bond on the Brink
So, you’ve heard of Delta and Aeromexico, right? These two aviation titans are not only pals under the SkyTeam alliance, but Delta even holds a stake in Aeromexico. Now, here’s where it gets juicy – they’ve been enjoying special privileges, thanks to transborder antitrust immunity for flights between the US and Mexico. Well, that was until Uncle Sam decided to rethink this cozy arrangement.
Yes, you read that correctly. US regulators have thrown a spanner in the works, and that immunity may well be grounded come late 2025. Why? Well, it seems the US Department of Transportation isn’t rolling over anymore…
US DOT Gets in the Ring: Delta & Aeromexico’s Joint Adventure Hit
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is cracking the whip with a whole new agenda—let’s call them “America First” actions. It’s a classic political drama with Transport Secretary Sean Duffy leading the charge. His rather punchy message?
“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement. That ends today. Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the U.S., our carriers, and our market. America First means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness.”
Provocative, isn’t it? And announcing it over the weekend ensures a few sleepless nights in Atlanta, where Delta’s HQ is located. The crux of it is that Delta and Aeromexico might soon lose the rights to play ball as a team on those transborder flights.
But, some silver lining here—they can still team up for little perks here and there, but anything more like acting as a single entity when it comes to ticket costs and schedules is off the menu. They’re being given a deadline—the end of the IATA summer 2025 schedule, to be precise, which means goodbye pumpkin spice lattes by October 25, 2025.
US DOT’s Falling Out: Why Cut the Cord Now?
Why now, you ask? Apparently, it’s about more than just aviation politics. The DOT’s wagging a finger at Mexico, accusing their government of convoluted antics at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport—the country’s air-travel heartland.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because early 2024 saw a similar plot unfold under Biden’s watch, but it didn’t really go anywhere. Now, armed with Trump-era confidence, the assurance is that they’ll pull through. Will talks happen behind closed doors? It’s a soap opera yet to reach its climax.
Spotlight on Mexico City Airport Drama
You see, the saga is centered on Mexico City Airport’s alleged backstage shenanigans—how slots are doled out. It’s claimed that Aeromexico’s been hustling the system as the top dog there, manipulating slot availability to box out rivals. The DOJ argues they monopolize their slot portfolio, keeping competitors in the dark.
- The Mexican government pledged changes for a fair game. Guess what? Nada happened.
- Then, they banned cargo flights from the airport, downsized capacity over four seasons, leaving current carriers and newcomers limping.
- Call it what you will, but these actions are supposedly to prep the airport for a major facelift—a facelift that apparently exists only in fantasy.
Smells like an effort to shuffle traffic to lower-key Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU), doesn’t it? Too bad it’s not the blockbuster thriller the government envisioned, so controlling access to the preferred option remains their ace card.
Quick Recap: What’s the Gist?
Bottom line? The stars seem to be aligning against Delta and Aeromexico keeping their antitrust immunity past 2025. Why? Because, according to the US, Mexico’s gamesmanship favors Aeromexico at the expense of fair competition.
The takeaway for airlines? Cooperation is a fickle friend. Regulators review these alliances now and then to ensure consumers aren’t the ones getting fleeced. And honestly, DOT’s pulling the right handbrake here.
Of course, this doesn’t mean Delta and Aeromexico have to fully break up. Just cut back on the planning spreadsheets and adopt more of a frenemies mindset. Who knows? Maybe Mexican regulators will play nice with a collaborative outlook.
So, what’s your bet on this aviation drama? Are Delta and Aeromexico headed for a turbulent phase without their antitrust umbrella? Meanwhile, if you’re dreaming of winter sports, check out Val Seny ski resort for some alpine action.