2016 has been the year of hotel and airline acquisitions and mergers. Just a few weeks after Alaska Airlines finalized its acquisition of Virgin America, Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico have reached a historic partnership agreement resulting in the largest transborder aviation alliance between Mexico and the US. In order for the deal to pass and receive anti-trust immunity, the airlines have agreed to terms issued by the US Department of Transportation including giving up a combined 28 gates at major airports to other airlines for competitive balance in the market. This includes 24 slots at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport and four slots at New York’s John F. Kennedy. According to reports, neither airline was happy with having to part with the coveted spots. The agreement will allow Delta and Aeromexico to coordinate and expand destinations and route frequencies, improve connecting flight schedules, renovate airport gates and lounges, and coordinate marketing initiatives. Furthermore, as part of the deal, Delta will increase its ownership in Aeromexico from 5% to 40%.