Public and private sector executives traveled to Lakeland, Florida, USA, for the “Sun’ n Fun Aerospace Expo 2021 Aviation Fair. The Dominican mission to Lakeland sought to learn about how to attract a greater share of the estimated 40,000 aircraft that had flown to the Caribbean in pre-pandemic times. The small plane tourism is one of high-purchasing power.
The director of the Airport Department (DA) Victor Pichardo led the mission to Florida from 13 to 18 April 2021. “This is the first time that so many entities unite to support an event like this, which translates into a clear sign that we are working to strengthen national private aviation,” said Pichardo.
Pichardo was accompanied by the Deputy Director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC); Héctor Porcella, the president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), José Marte Piantini; the head of the Specialized Airport and Civil Aviation Security Corps (CESAC), General Carlos Febrillet; the head of the Air Force, General Leonel Muñoz; the director of Immigration, Enrique García. Also IDAC advisor, Abelardo Rutinel and Marcello Mazzilli, deputy directors of the DA, Christian Broberg, technical director of the DA and pilots Edwin Sánchez and Luís Suazo. Wendy Justo participated for the Miami office of the Ministry of Tourism.
Also traveling to Lakeland for the event was Frank Rainieri, CEO of the Punta Cana Group; Oscar Villanueva, vice president of the Viamar Group. Carlos Núñez and Carlos Rodolí represented Aeropuertos Dominicanos (Aerodom – Las Americas and Puerto Plata international airports). Also attending were representatives of the Cibao (Santiago) and La Romana (Casa de Campo) airports. Franklin Polanco represented the Aeroclub Dominicano 7 and Quisqueya aviation clubs.
The Airport Department was in charge of setting up the “Dominican Republic Pavilion” at the fair, where assistance was offered to visitors interested in visiting the country through private flights, in addition to the delivery of promotional material, information on how to get to the country and the airport and tourism facilities available. Also participating in the promotional event were representatives of the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), the Specialized Airport and Civil Aviation Security Corps (CESAC).
Begun in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, the Sun’ n Fun Aerospace Expo is today the largest and most successful aviation event held globally. It is the largest annual convention of any kind held in Florida. Around 250,000 visitors attend to meet aviation lovers, and enjoy the exhibition of aircraft of all kinds on exhibit and the airshows and workshops.
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Sun’ n Fun
N Digital
20 April 2021