SANTO DOMINGO.- The arrival tomorrow, Wednesday, September 3, of the first Amazon Air Cargo strengthens the country's position as a regional logistics hub , President Luis Abinader stated yesterday.
The arrival of the cargo plane from the American company Amazon has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd at 9:00 a.m., through the Las Américas International Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez ( AILA) , according to an announcement by Luis José López, director of Aerodom, who explained that the arrival of the aircraft was initially scheduled for this Tuesday, but due to logistical adjustments it was postponed for one more day.
The parcel delivery company, whose distribution figures last year are estimated at more than 6 billion packages worldwide, is landing in the country with a capacity of 770 metric tons, consolidating the Dominican Republic as a strategic destination in the region and strengthening its civil aviation with a vision for the future, innovation and openness to the world, the president assured during the weekly press conference.
The numbers of Dominican aviation
In the weekly program, Abinader presented the transformation and growth of Dominican civil aviation , highlighting that thanks to the Open Skies , the country has the second highest air connectivity index in all of Latin America, having gone from 878 to 1,096 air routes operated between 2020 and 2025.
"Regarding the impact of aviation on the national economy, it is projected to generate USD 15 billion in direct and indirect income and contribute 11% of GDP tourism by the end of 2025, also generating more than 40,000 direct jobs and more than 540,000 indirect jobs ," Abinader stated in his presentation.
The president cited laws 57-23 and 17-24 which, in his opinion, have strengthened the regulatory framework of civil aviation, promoting competitiveness through tax incentives and regulating key areas such as drone operations , air navigation, aeronautical meteorology, training programs , among others.
He stated that in 2025, the country has 365 active airlines ; 13 national airlines , more than double the number in 2020, and a 365% in available seats from Dominican airlines, going from 695 in 2020 to 3,232 in 2025.
He cited new companies such as Arajet and Sky High Aviation that have expanded the supply of domestic and international flights, connecting the country with more than 414 destinations in 75 countries.
50 of the 73 bilateral agreements have been signed , the most relevant being those with the United States, Canada, Argentina, Spain, Guyana, Greece, Egypt, among others. In addition, the issuance, amendments and renewal of licenses and certifications to consignee companies from 34 to 228.
The president said that civil aviation is consolidating itself as a strategic pillar of the national economy, contributing more than 20 million passengers transported in 2025 for a growth of 30% compared to 2019.
Advances in security and digitization
Abinader noted that the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) has raised air traffic control and communication standards, achieving 86.19% compliance with ICAO regulations and maintaining FAA Category I status. The implementation of modern systems, Doppler radars, and new regulations has significantly reduced serious incidents.
"In terms of modernization, the country has implemented the Single Window for Aero-Administrative Investment , IDAC online services, e-ticket immigration , Auto Gate, Electronic Passport (in the implementation phase) and integration into Global Entry , one of the Trusted Traveler programs of the United States Department of Homeland Security," he said.
Infrastructure development
He mentioned the refurbishment of the airports of Las Américas, Puerto Plata and Montecristi, as well as a new terminal in Punta Cana and the expansion of the Cibao airport.
In addition, for the first time the State is directly involved in the construction of airports with the Cabo Rojo International Airport (Pedernales) and the El Granero del Sur Domestic Airport ( San Juan ).
Similarly, investments in national safety certifications
International projection
In November 2025 , the Dominican Republic will host the ICAN 2025 event, the ICAO's main global summit for air services negotiations, where agreements with more than 20 States are expected.
