US and Mexico 'modernise' bilateral air services agreement, effective Jan-2016

US and Mexico "modernised" (21-Nov-2014) their bilateral air services agreement effective 01-Jan-2016, removing restrictions on the number of US and Mexican carriers on all city pairs, improving intermodal rights and pricing flexibility, as well as "other important commercial rights", as confirmed by the US Department of Transportation (DoT). The DoT stated, "Some city-pair markets might see the entrance of new carriers for the first time in many years, and airlines can the consider offering new service in destinations that they could have never considered previously." Cargo carriers will also have unspecified "expanded opportunities" to serve destinations not possible under the previous agreement. Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) CEO Kevin Burke welcomed (21-Nov-2014) the agreement, stating the agreement "will provide new opportunities for US and Mexican airports through increased access to price and service competition for passenger travel and cargo shipping." United Airlines, American Airlines and Aeromexico are the largest carriers operating between the two countries by weekly capacity, holding 22.5%, 17.5% and 15% shares respectively, according to OAG. [more - original PR - US DoT] [more - original PR - ACI-NA]