A Drama in the Heavens that Not Even Netflix Would Have Done Better
It seems that the plot of the season is not on Netflix, but in the world of aviation, and the United States Department of Justice has just released the biggest spoiler: it supports with all its might an end to the antitrust alliance between Delta Air Lines and Grupo Aeroméxico. The reason? A reason that sounds like a user complaint on Twitter: according to them, the policies of the Government of Mexico are so restrictive and potentially discriminatory that they have turned competition in the airline market into something more fictional than the end of *How I Met Your Mother*.
In a move that we all saw coming (but that still gives us a bit of drama), the agency released an official comment to the Department of Transportation (DOT) supporting its decision not to renew that pact that gave them immunity. Basically, they said, “Yes, DOT, you did the right thing. Don’t renew their pact.” And be careful, it’s not a whim. The evidence suggests—and here comes the juicy part—that Mexican practices have limited other airlines from entering or expanding in the country. In other words, they closed the door in the face of the competition as if they were an influencer in an exclusive club.
When Competition Matters… Or So They Say
It turns out that for Uncle Sam, competition is like avocado at brunch: simply indispensable. According to the Department of Justice, a competitive market benefits American consumers—whether they travel for work or pleasure—because it translates into lower prices and better services. Kind of like when there are two taco stands facing each other: you win. But in this case, they feel that the Mexico-US air market is more rigged than a soap opera beauty contest.
And of course, not everything is a trail of tears. On the other side of the ring, the Aviator Pilots Union Association (ASPA) came out with an argument that seems taken from a speech about personal improvement. They stated that the approval and antitrust immunity for the Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) between Delta and Aeroméxico is fair, equitable and beneficial for everyone: workers, travelers and even the cross-border market. In other words, according to them, this agreement is like that friend who organizes group vacations: everyone wins.
ASPA did not stay with its arms crossed. He argued that since the 2015 Air Transport Agreement, this alliance has generated operational efficiency, economic growth and—oh yes!—job creation in both countries. Furthermore, it improved connectivity and market depth in the air corridor, benefiting even non-affiliated airlines and regional players. In other words, according to the pilots, this is a win-win with extra guacamole.
But here comes the plot twist: revoking the alliance without proportional alternatives could be chaos. According to ASPA, schedule coordination, fleet allocation, load factors and even profit margins would be reduced. Basically, it would be like taking away a millennial’s cell phone: everything goes to hell. Towns, regional airports, ground services and outsourced operations would suffer the consequences. And if that were not enough, uncertainty could slow down investments in joint terminals, training centers and shared MRO infrastructure. Come on, a domino effect that no one wants to see.
In summary, ASPa opposes unilateral measures that weaken bilateral commitments and considers that eliminating antitrust immunity contradicts the principles of the air agreement between the US and Mexico. In other words, for them, this is like breaking a friendship pact due to a misunderstanding. And believe us, in the era of cancellations, that hurts more than a blow to the ego.
So here we are, watching this aeronautical drama unfold that has more chapters than a history book. Will the fierce competition win or will the alliance that some say maintains order prevail? Stay tuned, because this promises more twists than an HBO series.
Did you like this analysis with an irreverent touch? Share it on your social networks and tag that friend who always travels. And don’t forget to explore more content related to the world of aviation and the policies that drive it!
