The Dominican Republic has built its tourism industry since the early 80s based on a generalized policy of open skies. While the current agreement between the United States and the Dominican Republic only authorized flights to Miami, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, for years, the Dominican aviation authorities have looked the other way and signed off on most all airlines that sought to bring tourists to the country.
The signing of an Open Skies Agreement with the United States on 2 August 2024 seeks to formalize the flights and more. Constitutional Court and Senate approvals are still pending.
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez traveled to Santo Domingo last week to sign the Open Skies Agreement with the Dominican Republic. Tourism Minister David Collado signed for the DR at the Presidential Palace. A press release from the US Department of State says that the agreement, once enacted, will bring the civil aviation transportation relationship between the United States and the Dominican Republic to the highest modern standard.
President Luis Abinader spoke in praise of the agreement during the signing ceremony. He said it will create a low-cost air bridge between cities for trade and tourism. Under Secretary Fernandez was also joined at the ceremony by US Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and representatives from the US Department of Transportation.
The Open Skies Agreement includes unrestricted capacity and frequency of services for both passenger and all-cargo carriers, open route rights, an open charter regime, self-handling provisions, and open code-sharing opportunities. The Agreement will enter into force following an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming that all necessary internal procedures for entry into force of the Agreement have been completed.
The US Department of State added: “This Agreement with the Dominican Republic will expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers. Air carriers will be able to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce. The Agreement will also commit both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security.”
Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) director Héctor Porcella called the agreement a historic milestone that will revolutionize the country’s aviation industry. During the celebratory address on Friday, 2 August 2024, Porcella described the agreement as a “game-changer” that the Dominican Republic has been eagerly anticipating for over 25 years. “Today is a historic day for civil aviation in the Dominican Republic,” he declared. “We are entering a new era.”
The director emphasized the significance of the United States as the Dominican Republic’s primary source of tourism, making the open skies agreement a pivotal development. While the country had already been operating under an unofficial open skies policy, the formal agreement solidifies this new approach and opens up even more opportunities for growth.
Porcella highlighted the Dominican Republic’s extensive network of aviation agreements, exceeding 70 worldwide. However, he stressed that the U.S. partnership is the most crucial, given its status as the country’s leading aviation partner.
Dominican airlines are doubtful they will be able to take advantage of the agreement because US airlines already have taken control of dozens of routes. The president of the Dominican Association of General Aviation (ADAG), Francisco Díaz, says US airlines have almost a monopoly of routes between the two countries.
Moreso, Diario Libre reports that the deal behind the signing may likely be that the US offered to authorize Dominican-based airline Arajet to fly to US destinations in exchange for the DR signing the open skies agreement. Judges of the Constitutional Court will now look into the convenience of the agreement. Arajet has been winning Dominican travelers and is now a formidable player in the market it has taken on in Canada, South America and Central America.
The United States has signed another 135 similar agreements with other countries to enable US air carriers to operate and expand flight networks beyond America’s borders and connect the US economy to growing markets.
Diario Libre published the Spanish version of the agreement.
Under Secretary Fernandez of the US took advantage of his visit to Santo Domingo to meet with the president of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos.
Read more:
Presidency
US Open Skies Agreements
US Department of State press release
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
Z101 Digital
Z101 Digital
7 Dias
6 August 2024