The Dominican government signed the new air transport agreement with Canada which will expand operations between the two States, with the aim of increasing tourism, trade, and connectivity.
As of signing this agreement, airlines may operate beyond the current frequency schedules, which allows for an increased number of flights and to diversify destinations between the two countries.
It will also allow the multiple designation of airlines in order to operate the services agreed according to the Route Table, as well as replace them with another previously designated airline. In terms of capacity, designated airlines will enjoy fair and equitable quality of opportunity to provide agreed services.
The agreement also establishes that the frequency and capacity of the agreed services is determined according to the commercial considerations of the market and also includes the advantage of granting each other traffic rights up to the Sixth Freedom of the Air for passenger, cargo and combined flights.
It includes provisions on ground handling services, provisions on charter or non-scheduled flights and provisions on codeshare operations.
The signing means new opportunities for consumers, airlines and airports in both countries, since they will be able to operate direct flights and connections from any airport in the Dominican Republic and Canada.
For his part, the head of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), Jose Marte Piantini, highlighted the efforts of President Luis Abinader to create more opportunities for national air transport operators.
“This agreement will improve direct connectivity between the two state and boost air transport as a tool to promote tourism and trade, vital for the country’s economic development”, he said.
Canadian ambassador to the DR, Christine Laberge, believes that this agreement will contribute to excellent bilateral and commercial relations between the Dominican Republic and Canada.
“These relationships will bring great economic benefits not only in tourism but in areas such as mining, financial services, energy and manufacturing for Dominicans”, said the ambassador.
The diplomat reported that approximately715,000 Canadians arrived 2022to enjoy the beaches, the good weather and the warmth of the people.
“We are proud we can contribute to the Dominican tourism sector and, therefore, to the economic well-being of all Dominicans.”
The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, said that President Abinader’s vision is to improve air connectivity and celebrated the signing of this transcendental agreement by saying that it will strengthen the relationship of tourism with Canada.
Canada is the second most important country in terms of goods exported by the Dominican Republic. Last year, 9.2 million kilograms of cargo were exported by air to Canada, valued at US$37.2 million; 94% of the total weight was in vegetables, with 8.6 million kilograms.
The agreement was reached following ongoing negotiations and technical agreements being conducted through JAC since February 18, 2021, when President Abinader granted full powers to the president of the Dominican Civil Aviation Board, so that he could sign the Air Services Agreement between the two countries, on behalf of the Dominican State.
The Presidential Minister, Joel Santos, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Roberto Alvarez, as well as airport representatives and commercial airline executives were present, among others.
Source:
Onlines Plus