The Dominican Army has begun to transfer helicopters from its air cavalry units to the new airport at El Higuero/La Isabela. This is the initial stage of the phasing in of the Dr. Joaquin Balaguer International Airport. The army hangar is located about 250 meters before the airport’s main entrance. A series of containers arrived this weekend, full of the necessary support equipment needed to service the helicopters and personnel. Armed Forces Minister, Admiral Sigfrido Pared Perez and Andres Vanderhorst, the head of the Airport Authority were present at the official ceremonies marking the army’s arrival. Since helicopters do not need any airport certification in order to operate, the process went smoothly. According to a report in Listin Diario, Ellis Perez, communications director for Aerodom, the new airport operator once it is certified, said that he and his people are in negotiation with the air transport companies that currently operate out of Herrera International. The talks are dealing with hangar rental prices. Early next week, according to Perez, contracts will be signed, thus removing one of the last obstacles to the opening of commercial flights out of the new airport. The Aerodom spokesperson was also candid regarding his concerns about the consequences of poor maintenance of the Duquesa landfill site, and regarding the investments that the different air transport companies have made in Herrera over the past 30 years.