Delta Air Lines and Grupo Aeromexico have announced a tentative agreement for a long-term, exclusive commercial alliance.

Under the agreement, the airlines will expand cooperation to leverage each other’s strengths and link Delta’s expansive network with Mexico’s largest passenger network. As part of the agreement, Delta also will invest million in Aeromexico.

Following a successful restructuring in 2009 and subsequent public stock offering, Aeromexico has reported strong financial results, including its highest operating margin in 15 years at 10.4 percent for the June quarter 2011.

According to the US Department of Commerce, goods traded between the US and Mexico in 2010 totaled nearly $400 billion, making Mexico the third largest trading partner for the US.

The new agreement between two of its founding members strengthens SkyTeam’s position as the only global alliance with a full-service, Mexico-based international carrier and expands SkyTeam’s presence in fast-growing Mexican and Latin American markets.

Along with the current agreement that offers customers reciprocal access to airport lounges as well as the ability to accrue and redeem flight awards, customers will enjoy soon-to-be-available benefits from the deepened alliance between Delta and Aeromexico, including:

Network-wide codesharing to include all Delta and Aeromexico flights between the US and Mexico as well as flights within the carriers’ domestic networks and to other key international destinations; a coordinated sales team that offers joint contracting to corporate customers allowing enhanced access to the combined networks; expedited call handling for Elite customers through a new, integrated process; and the ability for Elite customers to reserve preferred seating via the carriers’ reservations centers.

Future benefits will include co-located airport facilities for easier connections and check-in and the ability to select preferred seat assignments, process upgrades and redeem Award Tickets online.

Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com