The Dominican Republic signed eight new bilateral aviation agreements during the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2024) that took place 21 to 25 October 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Dominican delegation at the ICAN 2024 formalized agreements with Singapore, Surinam, Switzerland, Cuba, Egypt, United Kingdom, Greece and Latvia. These agreements allow for the exchange of air traffic rights, granting up to fifth freedom rights for passengers and seventh freedom rights for cargo flights, intended to boost both trade and tourism. Additionally, the agreements include provisions for airlines from both parties to operate under codeshare arrangements, aircraft leasing, and other cooperation agreements.
Hector Porcella, the director of the Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) and head of the ICAN 2024 delegation, explained that the DR with eight international airports is a key player in regional and global aviation. Porcella said there are direct air connections with 70 countries and 300 cities, served by more than 150 international airlines. “Our connectivity is a demonstration of our commitment to facilitate travel and global tourism,” he highlighted. Porcella stressed the importance of continuing to expand the country’s air connectivity and establish strategic relations to benefit passenger and cargo transportation.
Porcella also confirmed the Dominican Republic would host the 17th ICAO Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN 2025) in 2025.
The ICAN Aviation 2025 Conference is a global forum for discussing the future of aviation, with a focus on innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and industry trends shaping the sector over the next decade. The conference typically brings together experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem to share insights, best practices, and vision for a more connected, efficient, and environmentally responsible aviation industry. Attendees engage in knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to drive collaborative innovation and set the agenda for aviation’s future.
ICAN is regarded as an efficient platform for conducting air services negotiations. Since its inception, the number of countries that uses this facility has steadily increased. So far more than a total of 162 states have participated in and benefited from ICAN at least once.
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Presidency
5 November 2024