The United States and Mexico have agreed to open their air markets so that airlines from both countries can operate the routes they want with no restrictions.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and his Mexican counterpart Gerardo Ruiz Esparza signed the agreement Friday at Mexico’s embassy in Washington. It will require ratification by Mexico’s Senate.

Foxx and Ruiz Esparza said the agreement will provide greater connectivity between the countries and thereby generate more tourism and trade. Foxx said it removed government interference from airlines’ commercial decisions.

Enrique Beltranena is CEO of Mexico’s Volaris airline. He said that until now, only two Mexican airlines and two U.S. airlines could operate a route such as Houston-Mexico City. He said this agreement opens such routes.



Photo Credit: Mexican low-cost air carrier Volaris Inc. CEO, Enrique Beltranena (3rd R) rings the opening bell in celebration of his company's IPO at the New York Stock Exchange. Brendan McDermid / Reuters