SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government signed a new air transport agreement with Canada yesterday, Thursday, which will allow for expanded operations between the two countries, with the aim of increasing tourism, trade, and connectivity.
From now on, airlines will be able to operate beyond the current established frequencies, allowing for increased flights and diversification of destinations between the two territories.
The head of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), José Marte Piantini, and the Canadian ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Christine Laberge, placed their signatures on the agreement, in the presence of President Luis Abinader, Ministers Joel Santos (Presidency), David Collado (Tourism) and Roberto Álvarez (Foreign Relations).
Canadians come to the Dominican Republic to enjoy the beaches and the Caribbean climate, while Dominicans mostly go to Canada in search of better working conditions and for study purposes.
Regarding capacity, the designated airlines will enjoy a fair and equitable equality of opportunity to supply the agreed services, according to a statement from the Presidency.
The agreement also establishes that the frequencies and capacity of the agreed services are determined according to market commercial considerations and also includes the advantage of mutually granting traffic rights up to the Sixth Freedom of the Air for passenger, cargo and combined flights.
It includes provisions on ground handling services, charter or non-scheduled flights, and code-sharing operations.
The agreement creates new opportunities for consumers, airlines, and airports in both countries, as they will be able to operate direct flights and connections from any airport in the Dominican Republic and Canada.
Marte Piantini highlighted President Luis Abinader's efforts to create more opportunities for national air transport operators.
“This agreement will improve direct connectivity between the two States, and will boost air transport as a tool for promoting tourism and trade, vital for the country's economic development,” he emphasized.
Ambassador Laberge believes that this agreement will contribute to excellent bilateral and trade relations between the Dominican Republic and Canada.
“These will be relationships that will bring great economic benefits not only in tourism but also in areas such as mining, financial services, energy and manufacturing for Dominicans,” the ambassador said.
The diplomat reported that in 2022 approximately 715,000 Canadians arrived in the country from Canada to enjoy its beaches, good weather and the warmth of its people.
“We are very proud to be able to contribute to the tourism sector of the Dominican Republic and therefore to the economic well-being of all Dominicans.”.
Tourism Minister David Collado stated that President Luis Abinader's vision is to improve air connectivity and congratulated the signing of this momentous agreement, affirming that it will strengthen the tourism relationship with Canada.
Canada is the second most important destination for goods exported by the Dominican Republic. Last year, 9.2 million kilograms of cargo were exported by air to Canada, valued at US$37.2 million; 94% of the total weight was vegetables, at 8.6 million kilograms.
This agreement was achieved after negotiations and technical agreements, carried out through the JAC starting on February 18, 2021, when President Abinader granted full powers to its head, so that, in the name and representation of the Dominican State, he could sign the Air Services Agreement between both countries.
