The Dominican Republic continues to make strides in strengthening air transport, which translates into a growing supply of routes for travelers and a significant improvement in international connectivity. This was announced by Héctor Porcella, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), during the third ordinary session of this year.
In the session, the plenary of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) approved the request of SETRAD, Dominican Air Transport Services, S.R.L., for the issuance of a Certificate of Economic Authorization (CAE) under the Dominican Aeronautical Regulations (RAD) 135. This request seeks to offer non-regular (charter) air transport services for passengers, cargo and mail, on both domestic and international routes.
According to its Business Plan, SETRAD will operate aircraft with a capacity of up to 9 passengers, based at La Isabela International Airport (Dr. Joaquín Balaguer), and will dispatch its flights from Punta Cana International Airport. The company plans to start operations in March 2025, contributing to diversify and strengthen the country’s air connectivity.
On the other hand, the request of Sky High Aviation Services Dominicana, S.A., headed by President Cesarina Virginia Beauchamps Bencosme, was also presented. The request seeks to obtain a special permit to operate 80 international flights between Santo Domingo (MDSD) and Guyana (SYCJ) between March 16 and September 15, 2025. This route will be operated exclusively by Sky High, without direct competition in the sector, which highlights its strategic importance in international connectivity.
In addition, Sky High Aviation requested a special permit for the operation of 427 international flights under two different modalities: an exclusive cargo scheme and a combined passenger and cargo scheme. The proposed routes cover key destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America, such as Miami, Holguín and Santiago de Cuba.
Additionally, for informational purposes, the foreign air operator JetBlue Airways has announced that it will schedule 1,220 flights on its regular routes for the winter season, which will take place from January 31 to March 7, 2025.
With the authorization of new routes, the Dominican Republic consolidates its position as a benchmark air hub in the Caribbean, not only for tourists, but also for cargo transport, expanding business opportunities and generating a positive impact on the local economy.
The development of these new routes and the expansion of international operations are testimony to the dynamism and sustained growth of the aviation sector in the Dominican Republic.