Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In a recent letter addressed to Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri emphasized the significant economic ramifications of potentially terminating the Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. Representing Michigan’s fourth State Senate district, which includes the City of Romulus and the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Senator Camilleri’s concerns underscore airline alliances’ critical role in fostering economic ties and facilitating robust trade and tourism.
The JCA, currently threatened by the Department of Transportation, enables up to 24 flight routes between the U.S. and Mexico, including five originating from DTW. These routes are vital for the 440,000 passengers who depend on them for annual travel between Michigan and Mexico. The termination of this agreement could lead to a significant increase in airfares, making travel less affordable and potentially decreasing tourism, which would adversely affect Michigan’s economy and its residents.
Mexico is Michigan’s second-largest trade partner, largely driven by the automotive sector. Major companies such as Ford Motor Company and General Motors have substantial operations in Mexico. Delta and Aeromexico’s strategic partnership has supported trade that exceeded $70 billion in 2022. This economic interdependency supports approximately 136,000 jobs in Michigan, highlighting the potential dire consequences of the JCA’s termination on the state’s employment landscape.
Senator Camilleri’s plea to Secretary Buttigieg calls for reevaluating the DOT’s decision. He advocates for continued dialogue with the Mexican government, aiming for a resolution that benefits both nations. This situation illustrates the broader implications of international airline agreements on local economies and the necessity of maintaining such alliances for the mutual benefit of all involved stakeholders.
As discussions proceed, the fate of the JCA holds significant implications for Michigan’s economic health and the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations. The decision to uphold or terminate this agreement will serve as a testament to the value placed on international cooperation and economic diplomacy in today’s globalized economy, underscoring the responsibility of all involved stakeholders to consider the broader implications of their actions.
Read the Letter below:
