Peru and Mexico have agreed to expand their bilateral air accord to include a significant number of new frequencies available for airlines from both countries, as well as new city pairs.

The Peruvian Ministry of Transport and Communications has confirmed that the number of frequencies for flights between both countries will be increased from 13 to 56 weekly frequencies for each side. The agreement also includes a number of new cities to which flights between both countries can be operated in addition to Lima and Mexico City, namely Toluca and Cancun in Mexico and Cusco and Arequipa in Peru, although a ministry source says that the "spirit of the agreement" calls for authorising "any route" between both countries.

Any carrier of either country can use the available frequencies and both sides have committed to speed up the administrative authorisation process.

Additionally, the agreement introduces the full liberalisation of air cargo services and gives full fifth freedom rights for flights with origin and/or destination within Latin America.

Currently Aeromexico, Lan Peru and Taca Peru offer flights from Lima to Mexico City. Taca has already said that it plans to grow its four weekly frequencies between Lima and Mexico operated with Airbus A319s to daily flights while Lan and Aeromexico, which are operating Boeing 767 and Boeing 737-800 equipment, respectively, have yet to announce their plans for the route.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news