US and Mexican officials have finally agreed a new air service agreement giving carriers unlimited routes and frequencies between the two countries.
On and off negotiations had been ongoing for two years to enhance an existing agreement which only covered 30 US-Mexico routes and only two or three airlines were allowed to serve each of these.
"The new agreement will benefit US and Mexican airlines, travelers, businesses, airports and localities by allowing increased market access for passenger and cargo airlines to fly between any city in Mexico and any city in the United States," said US transportation secretary Anthony Foxx.
The liberalized treaty has been welcomed by US carriers including JetBlue Airways.
"I applaud the US Government for its diligence in securing a forward-thinking aviation treaty with Mexico," said Robin Hayes, JetBlue president and CEO.
"Across the globe the US-led liberalization of the skies has proven to increase travel options for consumers, grow jobs and strengthen economies. JetBlue is delighted with this development which will put our airline a step closer to being able to increase service to Mexico."
JetBlue currently flies to Cancún and Mexico City from several US cities including Boston, New York, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
