In Brazil, the president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) of the Dominican Republic, Dr. José Ernesto Marte Piantini, together with the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, representing their respective governments, signed an air services agreement that will facilitate the flow of cargo and passenger flights between both nations.
In terms of air transport relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the agreement, signed in Brazil, within the framework of the Brazil-Saudi Arabia International Aviation Conference, establishes the legal framework governing air transport between the two territories.
In that regard, Marte Piantini pointed out that this agreement reaffirms the importance of continuing to strengthen ties with other nations through the transportation policy, promoted through the Civil Aviation Board.
He highlighted that the document signed by the authorities of both countries includes the bilateral clauses on air transport services, recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and includes aspects to facilitate the air transport relationship between the two nations such as: liberalization in the designation of airlines; freedom to determine fares and the possibility of establishing commercial cooperation agreements between airlines.
“This agreement includes the legal, regulatory and commercial provisions, allowing air operators from both countries to operate direct or connecting flights without limits on routes and frequencies,” said the Dominican official.
He reiterated that the agreement, which establishes the rules for operations between the Dominican Republic and Saudi Arabia, also includes provisions on Non-Regular or Charter Flight operations, among other aspects.
He added that, among the main provisions, the Dominican-Saudi Agreement establishes the granting of 3rd, 4th and 5th freedom traffic rights for air transport services for passengers and cargo.
The official explained that, with the signing of this agreement, the government reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting the Open Skies policy, a policy that has allowed the country, through the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), to sign agreements with more than 70 nations. “The Open Skies policy has allowed the Dominican Republic to maintain stable air connectivity, benefiting passengers arriving at the different airports.”.
He pointed out that the new negotiation initiated through the Civil Aviation Board, with the largest economy in the Arab States, seeks to expand the national sector into new markets.
He highlighted the current administration's interest in the ongoing search for new strategic partners to promote and encourage cargo and passenger transport, concluding, "We have managed to sign agreements in the field of air transport with four of the five most important economies in the Middle East, including: the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, the State of Qatar, and now the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.".
Marte Piantini stated that the signing of this agreement reaffirms the commitment of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, to air operators and cited that the document will give the Dominican Republic an advantage over other countries in the region by connecting Dominican trade with Saudi Arabia via air.
In addition to Dr. José Ernesto Marte Piantini, president of the Civil Aviation Board, Dr. Paola Plá Puello, secretary of the JAC plenary, was present during the signing.
