Aeromexico will launch service to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina next year, the carrier’s latest U.S. route addition following the FAA’s recent upgrade of Mexico’s safety status.

The Mexican airline will connect RDU nonstop to Mexico City, becoming the first carrier to operate the route. Flights between Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) and RDU will commence from July 1, 2024. The route will be flown daily with an Embraer E-190 aircraft configured to carry 99 passengers.

The MEX-RDU service will be operated as part of the Aeromexico-Delta Air Lines antitrust-immunized transborder joint venture (JV).

“The Raleigh-Durham region and Mexico are linked by their large agricultural communities and strong business sectors, especially in the technology and furniture manufacturing industries, all with strong ties between companies in the two markets,” Aeromexico says in a statement. “Raleigh-Durham is also close to renowned universities such as Duke University, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University.”

RDU recently added Air France to its roster of airlines when the carrier launched service on Oct. 30 from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Lufthansa is set to begin flights from Frankfurt Airport in June 2024.

“RDU continues to attract new airlines and international destinations because of the [surrounding area’s] vibrant global community and status as a hub for education, technology and great quality of life,” RDU CEO Michael Landguth says. “We are excited to welcome Aeromexico to North Carolina and provide travelers with direct access to Mexico City and Aeromexico’s extensive network of flights.”

Mexico City will become RDU’s ninth international destination.

Regarding the JV, Aeromexico points to connecting opportunities for passengers, noting Delta operates 59 peak-day flights to 19 destinations from RDU. The airline also touts connectivity from MEX.

“This route will create new connecting options with Aeromexico’s extensive national network, giving travelers enhanced access to Mexico’s business centers, beautiful beaches and historical sites,” says Jeff Morgan, Aeromexico's senior vice president for network planning and scheduling.

With the RDU announcement, Aeromexico has now revealed plans to open 18 U.S. transborder routes from seven Mexican airports following the recent safety upgrade.

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, allowing Mexican airlines to once again expand to the U.S.

In total, by mid-2024 the Aeromexico-Delta JV plans to offer around 90 daily flights between Mexico and the U.S. on around 60 routes.