The modernization process also includes the incorporation of new surveillance systems in other air terminals
WASHINGTON– The Dominican Republic has made progress in civil aviation over the past three years, a period in which 585,363 air operations and more than 50 million passengers were recorded, reported the Director General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Igor Rodríguez Durán.
The official made these statements during his participation in the 34th edition of Dominican Week in the United States, where he presented some of the initiatives developed to strengthen operational safety, modernize aeronautical systems and expand the capabilities of the country's airports.
Technology to strengthen air safety
Rodríguez Durán explained that the process of updating the Dominican aeronautical system has included investments in technology, specialized equipment and training of the personnel in charge of operations.
Among the main tools incorporated are three weather radars, two of them installed in less than a year and equipped with C-band Doppler technology.
One of these radars was placed in Punta Cana, another in Loma Isabel de Torres, in Puerto Plata, while the third is located in the Dominican Aeronautical Complex.
According to the director of IDAC, this infrastructure allows for improved monitoring of atmospheric conditions and provides information earlier in the event of phenomena that may affect air operations.
The data generated is used by pilots and air traffic controllers, and is also available to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) and the Dominican Air Force.
New control tower in San Isidro
Among the investments made was also the construction of a new control tower at the San Isidro Air Base, which replaced the structure that had been in operation since 1953.
The facility has updated communication and navigation equipment, as well as energy backup systems.
The official noted that the new infrastructure not only contributes to improving conditions for air operations at that terminal, but can also serve as an operational alternative in the event of a contingency at Las Américas International Airport.
New surveillance systems for airports
The modernization process also includes the incorporation of new surveillance systems in other air terminals.
The installation of an integrated system consisting of primary radar, secondary radar and ADS-B technology at Cibao International Airport is scheduled for February 2027.
A similar technological solution will be installed at Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, where it will replace a primary radar that has been in service for approximately 35 years.
This is in addition to the planned installation of precision approach systems and ILS radio aids at the Punta Cana and Las Américas international airports.
Authorizes corridor for night flights
Rodríguez Durán also reported that a corridor has been established for night VFR flights, the use of which will be regulated by specific coordinates and altitudes.
The operation will be conditional upon compliance with requirements related to pilots and aircraft, in addition to the provisions established to guarantee safety in the airspace.
As he explained, this measure allows for expanding operational possibilities under previously defined parameters and is complemented by actions aimed at increasing the availability of heliports in health centers, an initiative developed by the Government through the Airport Department.
They are preparing operations for Cabo Rojo
In the southern part of the country, the IDAC is working on preparing the necessary technical conditions for the start of operations at the Cabo Rojo International Airport, located in Oviedo, Pedernales province.
The work includes the implementation of control, navigation, communications and surveillance, with the purpose of providing the terminal with the tools required to develop safe and efficient air operations.
Meeting with US aviation officials
During his agenda in Washington, the director of IDAC also held a meeting with representatives of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the actions being taken by the Dominican Republic to continue strengthening its civil aviation system and the capabilities related to the safety and supervision of air operations.
Also participating in the meeting was Antonio Yapor, executive director of the Dominican Association of Airports (ADA) and member of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC).
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