Removes Barriers To Market Access For Passenger And Cargo Airlines

U.S. government officials led by the Department of State’s Economic and Business Affairs Bureau reached agreement, ad referendum, on a new civil aviation agreement between the United States and Mexico. The agreement will enter into force on January 1, 2016, after both parties have completed their necessary routine internal processes.

The new agreement, when brought into force, will benefit U.S. and Mexican passenger and cargo airlines, airports, travelers, and businesses by allowing significantly increased market access for passenger and cargo airlines to fly between any city in Mexico and any city in the United States. Cargo airlines, for the first time, will have expanded opportunities to provide service to new destinations that were not available under the current agreement.

This air transport agreement further elevates and strengthens the dynamic commercial and economic relationship between the United States and Mexico by facilitating greater trade and tourism. It is a key element of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, that aims to promote competitiveness and connectivity, foster economic growth, productivity and innovation, and partner for regional and global leadership.

The move was welcomed by the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA). "Cooperation and collaboration is an essential part of the global aviation system,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “[The] historic air transport agreement between the United States and Mexico, when implemented, will provide new opportunities for U.S. and Mexican airports through increased access to price and service competition for passenger travel and cargo shipping. This modernized agreement, which will boost tourism and trade, strengthens the important economic relationship the United States shares with Mexico. ACI-NA commends the U.S. and Mexican officials for their vision and tireless efforts.”

FMI: www.state.gov