The US – Mexico Air Transport Agreement has come into force, providing airlines greater opportunities to fly between the two countries.

The agreement, which was signed on 18 December 2015, came into force on 21 August and is designed to provide opportunities for both passenger and cargo airlines to fly between any points in the US and Mexico, to the benefit of travellers, businesses, airports and communities, as well as airlines.

The US secretary of state, John Kerry and secretary of transportation, Anthony Foxx released a joint statement saying: “Passenger carriers will be able to provide new options for travellers and enhance competition, and cargo carriers will be able to link the United States and Mexico to global markets.”

They add: “This new chapter in commercial aviation between the United States and Mexico further strengthens our countries’ dynamic commercial and economic relationship and advances our mutual goal of shared prosperity.”