Summary
Santo Domingo. - The general director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation, Idac, Hector Porcella, stated that, as of the new open skies agreement, Dominican airlines will have the option of traveling directly to all cities in the United States, benefiting the large Creole community residing in that country.
Porcella says open skies agreement will make it easier for Dominican airlines to travel to any destination in the US
Santo Domingo. – The general director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation, Idac, Hector Porcella, stated that, as of the new open skies agreement, Dominican airlines will have the option of traveling directly to all cities in the United States, benefiting the large Creole community residing in that country.
He said that while North American airlines had the possibility of traveling to any point in the country, until now Dominican airlines only had access to three regular destinations in United States territories, specifically New York, Miami and Puerto Rico; and alternatively Tampa and Providence.
“This agreement with the United States Government will boost tourism and trade exchange between the two nations, create new opportunities for national airlines and lower the cost of airline tickets for Dominicans residing in the country and abroad,” said Porcella.
After pointing out that the Dominican Republic had signed more than 70 aviation agreements with other countries, Porcella indicated that the new agreement with the United States is especially relevant because it is the country’s main economic ally and has a population of two million Dominicans who want to maintain a regular and permanent link with their land.
He also expressed his conviction that the alliance will strengthen the position of the Dominican Republic as an air hub in the Caribbean region, attracting international airlines and improving the country’s airport infrastructure.
The next president of the Civil Aviation Board thanked President Luis Abinader for committing his best efforts to achieve the agreement, as well as the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, who coordinated, together with the country’s civil aviation authorities, the efforts that allowed the agreement to be reached, after 25 years of unsuccessful efforts.
He also highlighted the significant contribution of Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who knocked on all doors in the competent United States bodies to make the agreement viable.
Congressman Espaillat said that the agreement “is an incredible victory for both Americans and Dominicans.” Adding that the most important thing is that it will directly allow more Dominican-American families, visitors and American tourists to have affordable travel options to visit the country and their loved ones abroad. “This agreement sends a clear message that the relationship between the United States and the Dominican Republic is stronger than ever and we will continue our collective efforts to strengthen this alliance for many more years.”
The agreement was signed by the Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment of the United States, José W. Fernández, and by the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado, in a ceremony headed by President Luis Abinader; the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Patricia Aguilera and Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
Also present were the Foreign Minister of the Republic, Roberto Álvarez; the President of the Senate, Ricardo De Los Santos; the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco; and the main aeronautical authorities of the country headed by José Marte Piantini, outgoing director of the Civil Aviation Board; Héctor Porcella, next president of this body; Víctor Pichardo, director of the Airport Department; and the new designated head of Idac, Igor Rodríguez.
