Antitrust immunity
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US Withdraws Antitrust Immunity for Delta-Aeromexico Pact
MINT· 2025-09-16 17:02
Core Points - The Trump administration revoked antitrust immunity for the Delta Air Lines and Grupo Aeromexico agreement, effective from the start of 2026 [1] - The US Department of Transportation cited Mexico's ongoing market intervention and distortion as detrimental to competition [2] - The partnership was deemed to provide an unfair advantage to the airlines and posed potential harm to consumers [2] Group 1: Government Actions - The Transportation Department is monitoring other countries for potential violations of air transport agreements [3] - The ruling reflects strained US-Mexico relations, particularly in light of Trump's tariff policies [4] Group 2: Airline Responses - Delta expressed that ending the joint venture would negatively impact US jobs and consumers [3] - Aeromexico regretted the decision, highlighting the partnership's benefits for consumer connectivity and tourism [4] - Both airlines are evaluating next steps for their alliance while maintaining their code share agreement [4] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The Transportation Department accused Mexico of violating a 2015 agreement by reallocating slots from US carriers and restricting air cargo flights at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport [5] - These actions are part of Mexico's strategy to redirect cargo traffic to a newly built airport outside Mexico City [5]
Wall Street Breakfast Podcast: DOT Grounds Delta-Aeromexico
Seeking Alpha· 2025-09-16 10:48
Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico Joint Venture - Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico are required to terminate their joint venture by January 1, 2026, due to anticompetitive concerns in the U.S.–Mexico City air travel market [2][3] - The Department of Transportation's final order cited that the joint venture has provided both airlines with an unfair competitive advantage [3] - Delta expressed that the decision will significantly harm U.S. jobs, communities, and consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, and is currently reviewing the order [3][4] Economic Impact of the Joint Venture - The partnership, established nearly a decade ago, was under a Joint Cooperation Agreement that allowed for coordinated flight schedules and pricing strategies [3] - The airlines argued that their collaboration generated $310 million for the U.S. economy, and its termination would lead to a loss of economic benefits [4] Federal Reserve Board Appointment - Stephen Miran has been confirmed as a Federal Reserve Board Governor, filling a seat previously held by Adriana Kugler [5][6] - His confirmation was narrowly approved by the Senate with a vote of 48-47, and he plans to take unpaid leave from Trump's Council of Economic Advisers [6] - Concerns have been raised regarding potential political interference due to Miran's close ties to the Trump administration [6][7] Disney and Webtoon Partnership - Disney is partnering with Webtoon Entertainment to develop a digital platform for its comics and has acquired a 2% equity interest in Webtoon [9][10] - The new platform will feature over 35,000 Disney comics, including titles from Marvel and Star Wars, and will be available to current Marvel Unlimited and Disney+ subscribers [10][11] - Webtoon will operate the service, which is expected to enhance Disney's digital comic offerings [12]
Trump administration orders Delta, Aeromexico to unwind joint venture by Jan. 1
CNBC· 2025-09-16 02:24
Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration has ordered Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to terminate their joint venture by January 1, due to concerns over anticompetitive effects in the U.S.-Mexico market [1][2]. Group 1: Government Action - The Transportation Department stated that the joint venture creates an unfair advantage for Delta and Aeromexico, leading to potential harm for consumers and stakeholders [2]. - The Biden administration had previously considered withdrawing antitrust immunity for the joint venture, which began in 2016, amid ongoing complaints regarding competition between the U.S. and Mexico [4]. Group 2: Company Responses - Delta Air Lines expressed disappointment over the decision, claiming it would significantly harm U.S. jobs, communities, and consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico [3]. - Aeromexico stated that it would continue to offer flights on each other's airline and maintain frequent flyer program reciprocity despite the order [3]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The airlines argued that the partnership generated $310 million for the U.S. economy and that unwinding it would result in a loss of economic benefits, allowing competitors to capture the market [5]. - The order does not affect Delta's 20% equity stake in Aeromexico [5].