We have decided to grant Interjet’s request. In reaching our decision, we have taken note of the concerns raised by JetBlue. With respect to the MEX slot issue, we recognize this is an important matter. But, as JetBlue itself acknowledges, this matter is being considered directly in our examination of the Delta-Aeromexico application for ATI. We regard that as the appropriate forum to address JetBlue’s and Southwest’s concerns, and we are disinclined to withhold authority from Interjet that is otherwise in the public interest during the pendency of that proceeding, particularly when JetBlue and Southwest have stated that they do not object to Interjet’s request to operate these routes. In terms of public interest considerations, there is a clear history of carriers of both Mexico and United States being granted extrabilateral Mexico-U.S. authority such as that at issue here. The traveling public has benefited from the introduction of the additional service options and increased competition associated with those extrabilateral grants of authority, and we have every reason to expect that comparable benefits would result from an award of authority in the markets at issue here. Under these circumstances, we find that grant of Interjet’s request for amendment of its existing extrabilateral authority, as conditioned, is consistent with the public interest.
