2023News

Dominican Airlines Association warns about signing open skies agreement

The Dominican Airlines Association (ADLA) is against the new US and Dominican aviation agreement pending congressional approval, as reported in Listin Diario.

Other sources indicate the treaty includes clauses whereby the Dominican Republic would have to accept any airline and would be responsible for passengers affected when the airline cannot deliver as contracted.

ADLA is looking out for its business interests. Omar Chahin, president of ADLA says it would be detrimental to Dominican airlines if the country does not previously pass an equitable tax incentive law.

The Dominican Airlines Association says the government first needs to approve a tax incentive law promoting national aviation development before signing on to the Open Skies Treaty with the United States bill as presented to Congress.

In a statement, ADLA recognized the support received from President Luis Abinader.

“Dominican capital-funded airlines have been a fundamental pillar in our country’s connectivity with the rest of the Caribbean, and are well known by the diaspora, businessmen and tourism in this region. However, the aviation industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to global, regional and national factors that have threatened our operations and economic sustainability,” says Omar Chahin, president of ADLA.

Chahin commented the aviation industry in the United States is over-protected. He understands the Dominican Republic needs new legislation to equalize the competitiveness field for Dominican airlines.

“We take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for the initiatives of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) to demonstrate the qualities and capabilities of our country’s aviation system and prevent us from being demoted under the IASA program of the Federal Aviation Administration. of the United States of America (FAA),” says ADLA in the statement.

The members of ADLA are GECA, Helidosa, Air Century, Arajet, SAP, Sky High and Sky Cana.

Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario
ADLA

21 September 2023