SANTO DOMINGO- Through the open skies agreement signed between the Dominican Republic and Canada, passengers will have access to cheaper tickets, assured the president of the Dominican Association of Airlines (ADLA), Omar Chahín, yesterday.
Last Thursday, authorities signed an agreement to improve air transport between the two nations, expanding routes for passenger, cargo, and combined flights, which will strengthen tourism and trade ties. The agreement had been in the works for approximately 14 years.
For Chahín, this agreement lays the foundation for the growth of Dominican aviation. “We welcome and celebrate the air transport agreement signed with Canada,” he told Diario Libre, but he emphasized that the document must ensure the proper safeguarding of sovereignty and the protection of all stakeholders involved in this type of transport.
The president of the association, which represents some 14 Dominican airlines, emphasized that with a greater supply of air transport services, "conditions will improve for passengers, who will have access to cheaper travel tickets.".
The agreement stipulates that airlines may offer services beyond current flight frequencies, diversifying destinations between the two countries. It also guarantees equal opportunities for providing services by prior arrangement.
Chahín explained that this agreement, like any bilateral agreement, provides support to the airline industries of both the Dominican Republic and Canada. “Everyone benefits equally, but those with a more favorable tax environment will have a greater advantage,” he noted.
He noted that the rapprochement should be aimed at fostering productivity growth in the signatory states, which will allow operators from both nations to increase the number of flights and destinations served.
With the treaty, “visits, cultural exchange and trade relations will be boosted because Canada is the second largest contributor of tourists to the country and will foster significant growth in the sector, and therefore, in the Dominican Republic,” the businessman added.
cheaper flights
Victor Pacheco, the founder and president of the country's newest low-cost airline, Arajet, also commented on the milestone for Dominican aviation, citing among the direct benefits that consumers will be able to obtain more affordable services.
The businessman posted a message of pleasure and new news on his Instagram account: “The signing of the open skies treaty with Canada represents a before and after in Dominican commercial aviation.”.
“Thanks to this agreement, air services will be more affordable and efficient, free supply and demand will be strengthened, air transport between our countries will grow, and opportunities for commercial and cultural exchange will increase—key elements for the relationship between Canada and the Dominican Republic,” the text says.
The president of Arajet reposted the announcement from the Ministry of the Presidency regarding the signing of the agreement and suggested his followers stay tuned to his posts: “Stay tuned because ¡Vamo'Arriba! @arajetairlines is going to Canada.”
Source: Diario Libre with slight modifications to the text.
