President Luis Abinader highlighted yesterday that, thanks to the Open Skies policy, the country is the second with the highest air connectivity in all of Latin America, increasing from 878 to 1,096 operated flight routes between 2020 and 2025.
Speaking during LA Semanal con la Prensa, he also emphasized that this year the Dominican Republic has 365 active airlines. Among these, 13 are national carriers, more than double the number in 2020.
Additionally, he cited a 365% increase in available seats on Dominican airlines, rising from 695 in 2020 to 3,232 in 2025.
Regarding the impact of aviation on the national economy, he stated that it is projected to generate 15 billion dollars in direct and indirect revenue and contribute 11% to GDP, linked to tourism, by the end of 2025. It is also expected to create over 40,000 direct jobs and more than 540,000 indirect jobs.
Progress
Meanwhile, the director of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), Igor Rodríguez, announced that within the next two years, all air navigation equipment will be upgraded.
He also mentioned that the implementation of modern systems, Doppler radars, and new regulations have reduced serious incidents.
In terms of modernization, Abinader cited the implementation of the Aero-Administrative Single Window for Investment, online services from IDAC, e-visa, Auto Gate, and integration with Global Entry. He added that the country will have an electronic passport by October.
Infrastructures
The Head of State emphasized that the Airport Department has promoted the refurbishment of the airports of Las Américas, Puerto Plata, and Montecristi, as well as a new terminal in Punta Cana and the expansion of Cibao Airport.
Furthermore, he stated that, for the first time, the state is directly involved in constructing airports, including the Cabo Rojo International Airport (Pedernales) and the Domestic Airport El Granero del Sur (San Juan).
Agreements
He highlighted that in the last five years, 50 out of 73 bilateral agreements have been signed, with the most relevant ones with the United States, Canada, Argentina, Spain, Guyana, Greece, and Egypt, among others. Additionally, the issuance, amendment, and renewal of licenses and certifications for shipping companies increased from 34 to 228.
Events
It was also noted that next November the country will host ICAN 2025, the leading global summit for air services negotiations organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where agreements with over 20 states are expected.
Amazon Air Arrival in the Dominican Republic
President Abinader reaffirmed that the Dominican Republic will receive seven weekly flights from Amazon, with a capacity of 770 metric tons. He highlighted that the country will be Amazon Air’s first hub in the Caribbean and the second in Latin America.
Last week, Customs Director Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón announced that Amazon will commence operations in the country starting tomorrow, September 3.
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