State Sen. Jason Esteves
Along with improving access to affordable healthcare and strengthening our public education system, one of my primary goals as a member of the Georgia State Senate has been to help build a thriving economy that creates jobs, strengthens local businesses and supports a higher quality of life for Georgians. Unfortunately, a recent move by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) threatens to undermine these efforts, costing thousands of jobs and undermining a vibrant economy here in Georgia.
In response to potential violations of the U.S.-Mexico air transport agreement by the Mexican government, the U.S. DOT recently—without any warning or notification—made the tentative decision to terminate approval of the Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. This kind of decision would not only be unprecedented but would also have a negative impact on air service, consumers, jobs and economic activity.
The JCA is a cross-border agreement that has been in place since 2017, helping the two airlines coordinate flight schedules and pricing to increase travel options between the two countries. In that time, the partnership has helped create jobs and spur economic growth in both countries, including in and around metro Atlanta, while reducing costs for consumers.
As home to both the busiest airport in the world—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—and the headquarters for Delta Air Lines, Georgia would be particularly hurt if the DOT terminates the approval of the JCA. Such a move could put five nonstop routes between ATL and Mexico at risk of being cancelled. Last year, more than 662,000 passengers flew on these five routes.
If the DOT moves forward with terminating approval of the JCA, thousands of Georgians and passengers flying through ATL could be left with fewer travel options, higher airfares and less convenience when they fly. It could also put thousands of jobs at risk. Think about all the personnel needed for just one flight – pilots, flight attendants, ground crew and maintenance staff. If these flights are cancelled, thousands of these jobs would be at risk.
Perhaps even more concerning, however, are the far-reaching economic implications for our state and the entire country. Mexico is now America’s largest trading partner, surpassing China for the first time in more than two decades. In 2022, Mexico was also Georgia’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade value reaching $18 billion. It is critical that we continue to build upon these economic partnerships by investing in and expanding the air transportation infrastructure needed to support this growth. Unfortunately, the potential decision to terminate the JCA does the exact opposite.
The DOT and Biden administration should ensure the Government of Mexico complies with the U.S.-Mexico air transport agreement; there is no question about that. However, there is a better path forward. The DOT should make every effort to further negotiate with the Mexican government or take other regulatory action to reach a solution. The JCA is a completely unrelated matter and shouldn’t be considered as a means to an end.
The DOT should recognize the widespread, negative impact that ending this joint partnership could have on passengers, consumers, businesses, and our economy. As Georgia and our entire nation continues to strengthen economic ties with our neighbor to the south, we should be working to improve and expand—not restrict and undermine—air travel that benefits consumers, strengthens local businesses and spurs job creation and growth in our communities.
Jason F. Esteves represents the 6th district in the Georgia State Senate.
