A bad decision could end 23 flights between the US and Mexico | Opinion

North Carolina has proudly held the title of “America’s Top State for Business” for the past two years, thanks to pro-business policies that have driven job growth and unprecedented investments across the state.

Recent news about the federal Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) tentative decision to terminate approval of the Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico raises concerns about the impact on N.C. consumers and our business environment. Termination of this strategic partnership could result in the loss of up to 23 flights between the U.S. and Mexico, including the route from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).

As a member of the RDU board, I understand the importance of these flights for North Carolina businesses. Last year, more than 125,000 passengers traveled from North Carolina to Mexico on various flights.

Whether for business or leisure, all who wish to travel from North Carolina to Mexico — and vice versa — will be adversely affected should the federal transportation department move forward with terminating the JCA. The loss of these routes will reduce service and market competition, which could in turn force travelers to pay higher airfare.

Our business community will also be impacted. Several of North Carolina’s leading companies, including TE Connectivity, Volvo Group and Trane Technologies, conduct business in Mexico and travel there frequently using the route from RDU to MEX.

It’s worth noting that trade between North Carolina and Mexico continues to flourish. According to the Mexican Embassy, in 2022, trade between the two exceeded $15.8 billion and supported more than 150,000 jobs in the Tar Heel state. If travel to Mexico becomes more costly and more challenging, it could put thousands of jobs at risk.

While I understand the USDOT’s intent to ensure Mexico honors the U.S.-Mexico Air Services agreement, terminating the JCA seems excessively punitive. This tentative decision is counterproductive and will not resolve concerns with Mexico’s aviation policies. It will only harm American communities, including those in North Carolina.

Instead of rushing into this decision, I urge the transportation department to pause and allow for negotiations between both governments to continue. Alternatively, it could explore other regulatory actions to uphold the air services agreement without adversely affecting American consumers and businesses.

North Carolina’s success has been built on pro-business policies. The transportation department’s abrupt proposal to end the JCA has not been finalized, so there is still time for the department to reconsider and reverse its decision. It is in the best interest of North Carolina and the broader American economy for the transportation department to preserve this strategic partnership.

Correction: A previous headline incorrectly said 23 US-Mexico flights from Raleigh- Durham International Airport would end. The affected flights would be national, including the RDU/Mexico City flight.

This story was originally published March 21, 2024 at 9:31 AM.