US Gives Tentative Approval To Delta-Aeromexico JV

The US Department of Transportation has given tentative approval for an alliance between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico.

The approval, if granted, would include antitrust immunity for a joint venture between the US and Mexico. The carriers would then be able to coordinate network planning, pricing, and sales.

DOT is proposing the condition that the airlines divest enough slots for 24 new daily flights from Mexico City and six new daily services from New York’s JFK airport.

The slot transfers will allow new market entrants access to slots at those airports, DOT said. The condition is because of Delta and Aeromexico’s dominant positions at Mexico City and JFK.

The antitrust immunity, if finally approved, would be limited to five years.