It will host ICAN in 2025.
The Government of the Dominican Republic, through the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), has signed eight new bilateral agreements, within the framework of the XVI Air Services Negotiation Event of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ICAN/2024, held from October 21 to 25 in Kuala Lumpur.
This progress reinforces the Dominican Republic's commitment to expanding its air connectivity and establishing strategic relationships that benefit the development of air transport and trade.
In a press release, the entity states that during the ICAN/2024 inauguration ceremony, Héctor Porcella, president of the JAC, received from the ICAO authorities the flag designating the Dominican Republic as the host of ICAN 2025, an honor that represents international recognition of the country's progress in civil aviation.
“The Dominican Republic offers more than just beauty; it is a key player in regional and global aviation, with eight international airports connecting us to more than 70 countries and over 300 cities, served by more than 150 international airlines. Our connectivity demonstrates our commitment to facilitating global travel and tourism,” said Porcella.
This ICAO event, supported by Malaysian authorities, brought together more than 700 civil aviation leaders and officials from 84 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The main goal was to facilitate the signing of air service agreements between states, fostering air transport cooperation.
Agreements signed
The Dominican Republic delegation formalized agreements with Singapore, Suriname, Switzerland, Cuba, Egypt and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in addition to Greece and Latvia.
These agreements allow for the exchange of air traffic rights, including fifth freedom rights for passengers and seventh freedom rights for cargo flights, which will boost both trade and tourism. Furthermore, the agreements include provisions for airlines from both sides to operate under code-sharing, aircraft leasing, and other cooperative arrangements, the document explains.
Hector Porcella. (External source).
“We are expanding our air transport relationships and exploring new opportunities in the international market for the benefit of the Dominican economy. We have signed new agreements, reviewed and modernized others, and initiated rounds of negotiations with representatives, ministers, and institutions in the sector,” Porcella stated.
The Dominican delegation also held consultative meetings with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, with the aim of expanding connectivity opportunities and strengthening the network of international relations.
ICAN 2025: A commitment to the future of aviation
Porcella expressed his enthusiasm upon receiving the designation of the Dominican Republic as host of ICAN 2025, which will be a milestone in strengthening the country's position in international civil aviation.
“Hosting this major event will allow us to expand the country’s air transport relations with more nations and continue contributing significantly to the growth of tourism and trade, within the framework of the open skies policies promoted by the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader. We are ready to share our warmth, our culture, and our skies with all of you in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic.”.
The Dominican Republic is consolidating its position as a strategic country in the region for aviation development, relying on air service agreements and an open skies approach.
