U.S. leaders release statement on U.S.-Mexico air transport agreement

The United States and Mexico signed a new air transport agreement Friday.

Anthony Foxx, U.S. secretary of Transportation, and John Kerry, secretary of State, applauded the new agreement with a joint statement.

“We welcome the signing this morning of a new air transport agreement between the United States and Mexico,” the statement said. “This landmark agreement with one of our largest aviation partners will significantly increase future trade and travel between the United States and Mexico. The signing of this important agreement is the result of more than two years of negotiations led by the Department of State with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce."

Both Foxx and Kerry then shed light on how the new agreement will benefit both the American and Mexican people.  

"The new agreement will benefit U.S. 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. Cargo carriers will now have expanded opportunities to provide service to new destinations that were not available under the current, more restrictive agreement.”

Ultimately, the goal of the agreement is to improve the relationship between the United States and Mexico.

“This new air transport agreement further elevates and strengthens the dynamic commercial and economic relationship between the United States and Mexico and advances our goal of shared prosperity,” the statement said. “By allowing air carriers to better meet increasing demand in both countries, the agreement will help drive economic growth in sectors beyond aviation, including tourism and manufacturing.”