The new president of the Association of Airlines in the Dominican Republic asked presidential candidates to explain their position on the country’s commercial aviation policy. José T. Ares, the new president of the Association, said that the further development of commercial air business in the country is burdened by heavy taxes and other constraints.
Mr Ares requested that the authorities establish clear rules for the companies and airlines so that they can operate without inconvenience and under more favorable fiscal pressures. In addition to José Ares, the new members of the board are Carlos Chevalier, Air Portugal, first vice president; Pedro Copello, Aces, second vice president; Giovana Pagano, Alitalia, secretary; and Alex Santana, Continental, treasurer.
Mr Ares said that commercial airlines carried three million travelers through the different Dominican airports, and that these passengers generated 20% tax on air tickets, US$10 for departure tax, and US$10 per head for tourist cards.
Mr Ares says that the airlines pay landing and departure fees for each flight; have to make payments for aeronautical services, vegetable and animal sanitation services; plus charges for the customs, immigration and airport services used by their passengers. That is in addition to income taxes paid by the companies, plus their contribution to the creation of direct and indirect jobs that, in turn, generate additional revenue for the government.