U.S.-Mexico agreement to remove air transport restrictions

The bilateral agreement on passenger and cargo aviation, which took two years to negotiate, is designed to increase opportunities for carriers by opening new routes between the neighboring countries.    United States and Mexican transportation officials on Friday signed an agreement to modernize air transport between the two countries.
   The agreement, which took two years to hash out, eliminates government interference in commercial airline decisions, such as opening unlimited routes between city pairs, and expands opportunities for cargo flights. The upshot is increased market access for travelers, cargo shippers and carriers by allowing airlines to fly between any city in Mexico and any city in the United States as demand dictates, opening up new destinations that are not available under the current, more restrictive agreement.
   All-cargo carriers will gain new rights allowing them to expand their worldwide networks, establish new routes and provide faster service at better rates, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
   Officials said they expected the agreement to further strengthen trade and tourism between the North American neighbors, as well as increase competition among carriers. 
   The agreement also strengthens commitments on both sides to improve aviation safety and security. 
   Legislatures in both countries must ratify the agreement, which the DOT said it hoped could be implemented next year.