Aeromexico plans to open 17 new transborder routes to the U.S. from seven Mexican airports in 2024—an expansion made possible by the U.S. FAA’s recent upgrade of Mexico to the agency’s highest safety rating.

Mexico’s safety rating was downgraded by the FAA to Category 2 status in May 2021, preventing the country’s airlines from adding new routes or increasing frequencies to the U.S. However, Category 1 status was reinstated on Sept. 14.

Aeromexico has not revealed specific start dates or frequencies for the new routes. The airline says in a statement it plans to “gradually introduce” the new services starting in January 2024. 

From Bajio, Mexico, the airline will start flights in 2024 to Atlanta (ATL) and DTW. From both Guadaljara and Queretaro, Aeromexico will also open service next year to ATL and DTW.

From Merida, Mexico, the carrier will launch flights in 2024 to ATL. From Monterrey, Aeromexico will next year start service to ATL, Los Angeles, New York John F. Kennedy and SLC.

“With the new routes and increased frequencies to current destinations, [Aeromexico] plans to operate nearly 60 daily frequencies to the [U.S.] by July 2024, representing a 35% increase in departures compared to 2023, with a presence in 36 U.S. markets,” the carrier says. “Delta is planning to operate 34 daily frequencies to Mexico in July 2024, serving seven different Mexican destinations. The Aeromexico-Delta [JV] will deliver over 30% more seats year-over-year [in July 2024], widening options for passengers to travel between the U.S. and Mexico.”

In total, by mid-2024 the Aeromexico-Delta JV will offer more than 90 daily flights between Mexico and the U.S. on nearly 60 routes. “This reinforces the commitment of the cross-border alliance to bring the two countries closer together through a robust network and seamless connectivity,” Aeromexico says.

Aeromexico’s transborder route expansion announcement follows confirmation from Viva Aerobus that it intends to open six new routes to the U.S. from Monterrey.