Aeroméxico has begun operations at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) with a direct flight from Mexico City, officially making it the airline’s 100th station. The new service becomes part of Aeroméxico’s international network with daily frequency, strengthening air ties between Mexico and the Dominican Republic.The inaugural ceremony was attended by aviation and tourism officials from both countries, who emphasized the importance of this new connection in expanding flight options and promoting bilateral tourism.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/aeromexico_punta_cana.jpg" alt="Aeroméxico Punta Cana" /></figure>The route is operated with Boeing 737 aircraft, offering Premier, AM Plus, and Economy classes, as well as amenities such as Wi-Fi, individual screens, and the Sky Interior lighting system. With an estimated capacity of 10,000 seats per month, this route complements existing flights to Santo Domingo.Punta Cana International Airport, which handles over 60% of air traffic in the Dominican Republic, stands out for its private ownership, modern infrastructure, and extensive international connectivity, receiving flights from more than 70 cities worldwide.<blockquote>“This new partnership between Aeroméxico and Punta Cana Airport marks the beginning of an exciting journey that will not only expand connectivity options for our passengers but also open new doors for tourism, business, and stronger ties between Mexico and the Dominican Republic,” said Giovanni Rainieri, Director of Airside Operations.</blockquote><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/aeromexico_punta_cana_2.jpg" alt="Aeroméxico Punta Cana" /></figure><blockquote>“Reaching our 100th station is more than an operational milestone—it’s a testament to Aeroméxico’s strong commitment to the strategic expansion of our international network. Punta Cana is a key destination for our customers, and this new route significantly enhances connectivity between Mexico and the Dominican Republic. We are deeply grateful to the local authorities and airport for their support in making this important step a reality,” said Giancarlo Mulinelli, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Aeroméxico.</blockquote>Punta Cana joins Aeroméxico’s recently launched routes to Panama and Cali, Colombia.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/aeromexico_punta_cana_1.jpg" alt="Aeroméxico Punta Cana" /></figure>

Aeroméxico Lands in Punta Cana, Reaches 100 Destinations in Its Global Network

As part of the announcement of the new route between Punta Cana and Córdoba, Arajet CEO Victor Pacheco confirmed that in the second phase of the airline’s fleet expansion, they are evaluating aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus.&nbsp;This marks a shift away from the single-fleet, single-variant structure the company has operated since its inception, based on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 (10 in its current fleet).When asked by Aviacionline about the possibility of incorporating the 737 MAX 7—once certified and in service—to overcome seat capacity restrictions on longer routes such as Buenos Aires (and now Córdoba), Pacheco confirmed that the first 30 MAX aircraft will be delivered in the -8 variant, with the initial order expected to be completed by 2028.The CEO noted that delivery delays have affected the arrival of five aircraft, but confirmed that the deliveries scheduled for this year, 2026, and 2027 remain on track.The Dominican airline, which began regular operations in September 2022, has grown to serve a network of 28 destinations across 17 countries in the Americas, including six in the United States (Miami, San Juan-PR, New York-Newark, Orlando, Boston, and Chicago)—a key market for its ambitions to become a low-cost alternative to airlines such as Copa Airlines, Avianca, or LATAM.Victor Pacheco also revealed that <a href="https://www.aviacionline.com/arajet-sets-sights-on-lax-as-its-next-us-destination">Arajet’s next U.S. destination would be Los Angeles.</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/red_de_destinos_de_arajet.jpg" alt="Red de destinos de Arajet" /><figcaption>Red de destinos de Arajet</figcaption></figure>

Beyond MAX 8: Arajet opens Airbus door

As part of a press conference held this Wednesday in Buenos Aires, Dominican airline Arajet announced the launch of a new international route connecting Punta Cana with the Argentine city of Córdoba, further expanding its presence in the country and strengthening its strategy of regional air integration from the Caribbean.During the event, the company’s CEO, Víctor Pacheco, also revealed that a new route to Los Angeles will be announced soon, marking another step forward in its expansion into the U.S. market.The airline has been executing an accelerated growth strategy in the United States, where it already operates regular flights from Santo Domingo to Miami, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and, as of last week, Newark, one of the gateways to the New York metropolitan area. It also plans to launch new connections to Orlando (October 26), Chicago (November 15), and Boston (November 20).With a focus on attracting both outbound tourism and the Dominican diaspora, Arajet has also filed applications to fly to a total of 17 cities in the U.S., including Washington Dulles and Baltimore, although those routes have not yet been scheduled.The addition of Los Angeles will be a key strategic milestone, as it is one of the main gateways from the U.S. West Coast to Latin America and the Caribbean, and home to a large Latin and Dominican population.Arajet currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and follows a low-cost, continent-wide model, leveraging bilateral agreements such as the open skies treaty between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which facilitates the launch of new cross-border routes.

Arajet Sets Sights on LAX as Its Next U.S. Destination

The concessionaire AERODOM has begun demolishing buildings at Las Américas International Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez (AILA), as part of the preliminary work for the construction of a new passenger terminal. The project involves an estimated investment of $250 million and aims to expand the airport's operational capacity.Initial work includes dismantling existing structures, clearing and preparing the land, and installing a temporary fence to demarcate the construction zone. These actions are part of the preparatory phase designed to ensure safety conditions for the upcoming stages of construction.The new terminal is designed to accommodate up to four million passengers annually, in response to the sustained growth in air traffic across the country. It is envisioned as infrastructure that will enhance regional connectivity and support the economic and tourism development of the Dominican Republic.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/aeropuerto_internacional_de_las_americas_de_santo_domingo.jpg" alt="Aeropuerto Internacional de Las Américas de Santo Domingo" /></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/aila_santo_domingo.jpg" alt="AILA Santo Domingo" /></figure>The building will feature a modern design focused on sustainability and aligned with international standards set by VINCI Airports, the global group that owns AERODOM. This company manages over 70 airports in 14 countries and promotes operational practices centered on efficiency, modernization, and environmental transition.The project timeline includes five phases:<ul><li>Relocation of existing infrastructure, including fire stations, government offices, and hangars.</li><li>Demolition of facilities and reorganization of services, such as electrical networks, fiber optics, and water supply.</li><li>Installation of logistical structures to support construction work.</li><li>Civil and technical construction, including buildings, parking facilities, and terminal equipment.</li><li>Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT), involving testing and inspections before opening.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/06/aila_santo_domingo_1.jpg" alt="AILA Santo Domingo" /></figure>The terminal will operate alongside the current one, with completion scheduled for 2028. During the construction period, the airport will remain operational. AERODOM will implement a signage and communication plan to ensure the safety of both passengers and staff.

AERODOM begins demolition at Las Américas International Airport for new passenger terminal

The Airport Commission has been briefed on progress for a project led by AERODOM, in coordination with the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), aimed at mitigating the impact of necessary operational closures due to maintenance of the main runway at Las Américas International Airport, José Francisco Peña Gómez (AILA). These closures are expected to become more frequent as the infrastructure continues to deteriorate.Regular runway maintenance is critical to ensuring airport safety and operational efficiency. Daily inspections are performed without closing the runway, while routine maintenance every three to six months may require partial closures.Major tasks like resurfacing are carried out every five to ten years, and complete structural overhauls typically occur every 20 to 30 years. These procedures are carefully scheduled to minimize disruptions to air traffic.In 2023, AERODOM completed a maintenance project on runway 17-35 at AILA, investing over USD 3 million. The project involved a partial nighttime closure from August 7 to 20 (11:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.), during which 54,000 square meters of pavement were renewed and 57,000 square meters rehabilitated.Given this precedent and the prospect of more extensive future work, it is anticipated that the main runway may be inoperative for several days or weeks, affecting normal flight schedules.To minimize operational impact, AERODOM and IDAC are advancing a project to enable taxiway Juliet as an alternative runway, reviving its use between 2007 and 2009, when the main runway underwent an extended intervention.Following a technical evaluation by IDAC, and in accordance with Dominican Aeronautical Regulations (RAD) 14 Vol. I and RAD 11, the agency certified on March 14, 2025, that taxiway Juliet meets the safety standards required to serve as an auxiliary runway.The project includes load and capacity studies, along with infrastructure upgrades, to ensure its operational viability during extended closures of the main runway.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2021/04/aila.jpg" alt="Aerodom Santo Domingo Aeropuerto Web oficial" /></figure>This upgrade will allow continued airport operations, reduce disruption for passengers and airlines, and facilitate scheduled maintenance without compromising safety.Additionally, AERODOM, in partnership with VINCI Airports, unveiled in 2024 the preliminary design for a new terminal at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, intended to accommodate the double-digit air traffic growth in the Dominican Republic. Construction is set to begin in mid-2025.

Taxiway to Be Used as Runway at Las Américas Airport in Santo Domingo During Maintenance Work

Dominican airline Arajet continues its strong expansion in the U.S. market, confirming today that it will add Orlando as its sixth destination after Miami, San Juan-PR, New York-Newark, Boston, and Chicago.According to information shared on social media by Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Arajet will begin operating three weekly flights from Punta Cana starting October 26.Flights between Punta Cana and Orlando-Sanford will run on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. There is a special promotion offering up to 30% off tickets using the code HOLAORLANDO.Arajet’s arrival marks a milestone for Sanford Airport (part of Vinci Airports), which has worked intensively in recent years to position itself as a viable alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Currently, Allegiant Air is the only airline with regular operations at Sanford, flying to 57 U.S. cities.Arajet in the United States<ul><li>Miami: One daily flight from Santo Domingo and six weekly flights from Punta Cana</li><li>San Juan-PR: Four weekly flights from Santo Domingo and four from Punta Cana</li><li>New York-Newark: One daily flight from Santo Domingo (starting June 16)</li><li>Boston: Four weekly flights from Santo Domingo (starting November 20)</li><li>Chicago: Three weekly flights from Punta Cana (starting November 15)</li><li>Orlando: Three weekly flights from Punta Cana (starting October 26)</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/arajet_red_de_destinos.jpg" alt="Arajet - Red de destinos" /></figure>Last week, it was reported that Arajet submitted a request to the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board to operate nine additional routes, including Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario in Argentina, as well as Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Asunción, Belo Horizonte, and Washington.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="39091" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>

Orlando-Sanford Lands New International Route with Arajet's Punta Cana Flights

Arajet, the Dominican low-cost airline, will begin direct flights between Punta Cana and Chicago starting November 15, marking a new phase in its expansion into the United States. The route will connect Punta Cana International Airport with Chicago O'Hare Airport with three weekly frequencies, according to the company.Tickets for this new route will be available starting today at 10:00 a.m., with fares starting at $117 one-way, based on information provided by the airline.With this addition, Chicago becomes the fifth U.S. city served by Arajet, after Miami, San Juan (Puerto Rico), New York (starting June 13), and Boston (starting November 15). The company has been operating since September 2022 and is financially backed by Bain Capital and Griffin Global Asset Management.This expansion comes in the context of the Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which came into effect in December and removed certain restrictions on flights between the two countries.“Our continued growth enables greater connectivity for both tourists and the Dominican diaspora, while boosting tourism and economic opportunities across the region,” said Víctor Pacheco, CEO of Arajet.From Punta Cana, passengers will also have the possibility of connecting to other destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America, the company noted.Arajet will become the sixth Latin American airline to fly to Chicago, after Aeroméxico, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Viva, and Volaris.<ul><li>Aeroméxico: 14 weekly flights from Mexico City and 3 from Guadalajara.</li><li>Avianca: 7 weekly flights from Bogotá.</li><li>Copa Airlines: 10 weekly flights from Panama City.</li><li>Volaris: 7 weekly flights from Monterrey, 7 from Mexico City, 8 from Guadalajara, and 1 from León/Guanajuato.</li><li>Viva: 2 weekly flights from Querétaro, 3 from Monterrey, 4 from Morelia, 11 from Mexico City, 9 from Guadalajara, and 4 from León/Guanajuato.</li></ul>In total, these account for 16,300 seats and 90 weekly one-way flights, according to data obtained by Aviacionline via Cirium.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/red_de_aerolineas_latinoamericanas_en_chicago_mayo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Red de aerolíneas Latinoamericanas en Chicago - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)" /><figcaption>Red de aerolíneas Latinoamericanas en Chicago - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>U.S. airlines connect Chicago with 18 cities in the region, mostly focused on Caribbean tourist destinations.They offer an average of 24,200 seats and 131 one-way weekly flights.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/rutas_entre_chicago_y_latinoamerica_y_el_caribe_aerolineas_de_estados_unidos_mayo_2025_cirium_schedule_mapper.jpg" alt="Rutas entre Chicago y Latinoamérica y el Caribe - Aerolíneas de Estados Unidos - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)" /><figcaption>Rutas entre Chicago y Latinoamérica y el Caribe - Aerolíneas de Estados Unidos - Mayo 2025 (Cirium Schedule Mapper)</figcaption></figure>

Arajet Expands to Chicago as Fifth US Destination

Air Century participated in the 2025 FITCUBA International Tourism Fair, held in Cuba, where it announced the launch of a new route to Bonaire, along with a series of interactive offerings aimed at its users.The airline’s presence at this edition of the fair reaffirms its commitment to strengthening commercial, cultural, and air mobility ties between the Dominican Republic and Cuba. During the event, company representatives held meetings with tour operators to promote new partnerships and showcase their latest developments.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/05/hector_hernandez_director_comercial_de_air_century.jpg" alt="Héctor Hernández, Director Comercial de Air Century." /><figcaption>Héctor Hernández, Director Comercial de Air Century.</figcaption></figure>With the addition of Bonaire to its destination network, Air Century continues to move forward with its expansion strategy across more Caribbean destinations.

FITCUBA 2025: Air Century presents advances in routes and services

Dominican airline Arajet has launched a flash fare promotion offering one-way tickets from just $2 (excluding taxes) to any of its 25 destinations across the Americas and the Caribbean. The campaign is active from April 28 to April 30, with travel valid between May 1 and June 30, 2025.The promotion includes newly launched routes to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and New York City, USA. Tickets to San Juan will be valid for flights starting June 4, while services to and from New York begin June 16.Arajet confirmed that the deal applies across all fare categories—Smart, Confort, and Extra—but warned that seat availability is limited, and final ticket prices will vary based on departure city.Arajet CEO Víctor Pacheco described the promotion as a gesture of appreciation to the airline’s growing customer base: “This initiative is a way to thank our passengers, who have helped make Arajet the Dominican airline with the highest passenger volume in the region.”Founded in 2022, Arajet operates a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and is based at both Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana International Airport. The company was named “Best New Airline in the World” at the 2023 World Aviation Summit.The airline stated that full details and terms of the promotion are available on its official website.

Arajet Launches Flash Sale with Fares Starting at $2 to Destinations Across the Americas and the Caribbean

SMBC Aviation Capital has announced a leasing agreement with Dominican carrier Arajet for five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The transaction, structured as a Sale and Leaseback (SLB), includes deliveries scheduled for 2026 and 2027. This agreement marks Arajet’s debut as a client of the global lessor.Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing at SMBC Aviation Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the company is “pleased to team up with Arajet on this deal” and welcomes the airline as “a new customer of SMBC Aviation Capital.” He added, “This transaction marks the beginning of our collaboration, and we are confident these aircraft will greatly support Arajet’s success.” Stafford emphasized that the agreement “demonstrates our commitment to providing tailored leasing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO of Arajet, shared his excitement about the fleet expansion, noting the addition of next-generation Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. He said, “This agreement supports our mission to offer safe, efficient, comfortable, and affordable travel options across the Americas.” Pacheco also highlighted that “the trust and collaboration shown by SMBC Aviation Capital reflect the strength of Arajet’s business model and our shared commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in aviation.”Arajet recently achieved a key milestone in its expansion strategy by launching operations in the United States. On April 11, the airline inaugurated its Santo Domingo–Miami route, opening a new travel corridor between Latin America and the U.S. market. The company is also selling tickets for upcoming routes to Newark (serving the New York area) and San Juan, Puerto Rico, set to begin in June 2025, with plans to operate 25 weekly flights to the U.S. during the summer season. Initial demand for the new routes has been strong, with a significant volume of tickets sold in the first few days.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38000,37756" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>In February 2025, Arajet signed a separate leasing agreement with BOC Aviation for five additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, slated for delivery throughout the year. These additions are expected to bring the airline’s total fleet to 13 aircraft by year-end, in line with its growth targets. Arajet aims to transport 1.7 million passengers in 2025 and has also conducted training for staff to better serve passengers with reduced mobility.The Sale and Leaseback model allows airlines to sell owned or ordered aircraft to leasing companies and then lease them back, freeing up capital while ensuring continued operational use. The addition of these five 737 MAX 8s will support Arajet’s expansion plans over the coming years.

Arajet Expands Fleet with Five Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Deal with SMBC Aviation Capital

At 11:55 a.m. local time, Arajet flight DM 2100 landed at Miami International Airport (MIA), marking the Dominican low-cost carrier’s first operation in the United States.The flight lasted two hours and originated from Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ). It was operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration HI1101. With this new route, Arajet strengthens its hub model in the Dominican Republic, enabling connections across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.The new route will initially operate four times per week, and from June 13, it will become a daily service. For now, the system displays connection options via Santo Domingo between Miami and Aruba, Bogotá, Cancún, Curaçao, Guatemala, Medellín, Mexico City, San José (Costa Rica), and San Salvador.From its hubs in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, the airline currently operates 28 routes to 21 international destinations, further consolidating its regional presence.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/arajet_certificado_del_vuelo_inaugural_a_miami.jpeg" alt="Arajet - Certificado del vuelo inaugural a Miami" /><figcaption>Arajet - Certificado del vuelo inaugural a Miami</figcaption></figure>This new service will be complemented by the Punta Cana (PUJ)–Miami route, which will launch on June 13 with six weekly flights. Additionally, routes to San Juan (SJU) and Newark (EWR) will begin on June 6 and June 16, respectively.Newark will be served with four weekly flights, while San Juan will be operated from both Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, also with four weekly frequencies each.All three new destinations are aimed at serving the Dominican diaspora in the United States, particularly in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.This year, Arajet is set to receive three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which will support its planned U.S. expansion.Last month, Arajet filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to amend its route application, stating its intent to add more U.S. destinations such as Boston (BOS), Chicago/O'Hare, Washington Dulles (IAD), Orlando (MCO), among others.

Arajet Made Its U.S. Debut Today, Creating a New Gateway to Latin America

Dominican airline Arajet has surpassed two million passengers transported, reaching the milestone in less than three years since launching operations in September 2022, the company announced in a statement.The achievement was celebrated with a special event at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, where Yomara Sánchez was recognized as the two-millionth passenger during boarding for a flight to Costa Rica.According to the airline, this milestone marks a significant step toward its goal of “democratizing air travel” and providing competitive fares. Arajet attributes its rapid regional growth to a business model focused on operational efficiency and a modern fleet.“We are thrilled to have reached two million passengers in such a short time. It reflects the trust travelers have placed in us and motivates us to continue expanding and offering more routes to connect the Americas at the best prices on the market,” said Víctor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet.The airline also highlighted that this month it will reach another major milestone by expanding to the U.S. mainland, with flights to Miami and New York, as well as to San Juan, Puerto Rico.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/red_de_arajet_abril_2025.jpg" alt="Red de Arajet - Abril 2025" /><figcaption>Arajet Network - April 2025</figcaption></figure>With this growth, Arajet aims to position the Dominican Republic as a new aviation hub in the Americas.

Arajet Surpasses Two Million Passengers in Under Three Years

The Dominican Republic’s Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) has announced the 25th edition of the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE 2025), set to take place from May 14 to 16 at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana.Juan Bancalari, president of Asonahores, highlighted that DATE 2025 comes at a favorable time for the tourism industry, which surpassed a record 11 million visitors in 2024, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s leadership as the top regional destination.Bancalari emphasized that this growth is the result of coordinated efforts between the private sector and supportive public policies aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness. This momentum has allowed the Dominican Republic to diversify its markets and target high-value segments such as:• Sports tourism • Business tourism (MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) • Adventure tourism • EcotourismThe Asonahores president stated that the goal for 2025 is to reach 12.5 million tourists, consolidating the Dominican Republic’s position as the leading Caribbean destination, with innovation, sustainability, and diversification as pillars of the country’s tourism offering.For her part, Aguie Lendor, executive vice president of Asonahores, emphasized that since its inception, DATE has been a strategic event for the sector, bringing together hoteliers, investors, tour operators, local airlines such as Arajet, Air Century, and other key players. Lendor noted that this event not only drives business, but also helps shape the future of Dominican tourism by showcasing its adaptability and continuous growth. She stated that this platform is essential for connecting markets and exploring new trends.DATE 2025 will focus on promoting the Dominican Republic’s key tourist destinations, with special attention on:• Santo Domingo • Pedernales • Miches • Puerto Plata • Santiago • Punta Cana • La Romana • BayahíbeLendor also reported that this year’s event aims to surpass the 8,000 appointment requests recorded in the previous edition, with the implementation of new distribution channels and trade missions both domestically and abroad.The event is sponsored by major players in the tourism and business sectors:• Ministry of Tourism • Punta Cana Resort • Barceló Hotel Group • Bahía Príncipe Hotels &amp; Resorts • Meliá Hotels International • Banco Popular Dominicano • Banreservas • Banco BHD • Coco Bongo • Palladium Hotel Group • Consorcio Energético Punta Cana - Macao (CEPM) • TherrestraFinally, Zarina Montalvo, commercial director of Barceló Hotel Group, expressed her pride in hosting DATE 2025 for the 13th time, highlighting the opportunity to welcome tourism professionals in a unique setting.

Asonahores organizes the 25th edition of DATE 2025 to promote sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reported that Arajet, based in the Dominican Republic, has submitted a <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2015-0260-0038">request to modify its application for flights to the United States</a>, aiming to expand its network of destinations and achieve greater operational flexibility.This request is focused on consolidating the airline’s flights to the United States, the Dominican Republic’s primary international market. Arajet is relying on the open skies agreement between the two countries, which came into effect on December 19, 2024, and allows for unlimited frequencies and greater flexibility for airlines, adjusting to different seasons.The low-cost airline will begin its operations in the <a href="https://www.aviacionline.com/arajet-debuts-in-the-us-with-santo-domingo-miami-flights">United States on April 11 with flights to Miami (MIA)</a>, followed by San Juan (SJU) and Newark (EWR) on June 6 and 16, respectively. These routes will connect U.S. cities with Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ).With this new request, Arajet aims to add destinations such as Boston (BOS), Chicago/O'Hare, Washington/Dulles (IAD), Orlando (MCO), and others in the coming months as it receives more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.According to aviation intelligence platform Cirium, other potential destinations include Philadelphia, Charlotte/Douglas, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, and Minneapolis. While Arajet has focused its efforts on serving the Dominican community in the U.S., particularly in the states of Florida, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.This year, the airline will receive three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, after facing delays in delivery from the U.S. manufacturer, which will impact the availability of its fleet for the expansion of new destinations.

Arajet wants to fly to more cities in the United States

The Dominican airline Arajet expanded its social responsibility program "Mi Primer Vuelo" internationally, allowing a group of people who had never flown to experience a flight and discover other countries and cultures. In this first edition outside of the Dominican Republic, the program benefited the Garrido family from Chile, who had the opportunity to visit and enjoy various tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic, such as Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.The program originated after a conversation between Anthony Garrido, who works in tourism transportation in Chile, and Víctor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet. After learning Garrido’s story, Pacheco decided to invite the family to take their first flight with Arajet and explore the island's tourist and cultural attractions.“Since our beginnings at Arajet, we have committed ourselves to democratizing the skies of the continent, giving everyone the opportunity to fulfill their travel dreams, without distinction,” stated Pacheco.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/familia_garrido_arajet.jpeg" alt="Familia Garrido - Arajet" /></figure>For their part, the Garrido family expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided by the airline. “With Arajet, dreams become possible; we are happy to visit the Dominican Republic, it is a beautiful country, surprised by its history and beauty. We will always be very grateful to Arajet,” commented Anthony Garrido.The expansion of the program was made possible with the collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and the Hodelpa hotel chain, who worked together to ensure a memorable experience for the Garrido family on this first international flight of the program.Arajet details that this project will continue to expand in the destinations where the airline operates, aiming to continue offering travel experiences to those who have not had the opportunity to fly previously.

Arajet brings its "My First Flight" program to Chile.

Dominican airline Arajet has announced a record-breaking ticket sales milestone following the launch of its new route between Santo Domingo and New York. In the first 24 hours, the airline sold 1,169 tickets through its website for flights between Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the United States.<h3>Unprecedented Demand for Santo Domingo–New York Flights</h3>Arajet CEO and founder Víctor Pacheco highlighted the overwhelming demand for the route:"We knew this was our most anticipated route, but the response has far exceeded our projections, with demand ten times higher than for Miami or San Juan flights."The official launch event took place at Gregorio Luperón High School in Washington Heights, Manhattan, with notable attendees including Congressman Adriano Espaillat and Dominican consuls Jesús Vásquez (New York) and José Santana (New Jersey).<h3>More Competition and Affordable Fares</h3>Pacheco emphasized that the new route will enhance market competition and increase accessibility to affordable fares, all while maintaining high-quality onboard service.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37051" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section><h3>Route Launch and Temporary Suspension</h3><ul><li>Operations begin on June 16, 2025, with four weekly flights.</li><li>Flights will be temporarily suspended for six weeks between September and October due to renovation work at Newark Airport.</li><li>Starting in November, Arajet plans to operate a daily flight on the route.</li></ul>With this expansion, Arajet strengthens its presence in the U.S. market, responding to the high demand for direct flights between the Dominican Republic and the New York metropolitan area.

Arajet Sets Ticket Sales Record with New Santo Domingo–New York Route

Arajet has announced the launch of a new route connecting Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), serving the New York metropolitan area, with Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo. The new service will begin operations on June 16.According to the airline’s statement, this marks the first time in over three decades that a Dominican carrier operates nonstop flights between New York and Santo Domingo. Arajet will offer introductory round-trip fares starting at $262, with one-way tickets available from $127 from Newark and $135 from Santo Domingo.<h3>A Strategic Route for the Dominican Community</h3>The airline highlighted the strategic importance of this route, emphasizing that New York is home to the largest Dominican community outside the country. The new connection is expected to facilitate travel for both the Dominican diaspora and U.S. tourists visiting the Dominican Republic."Arajet is committed to making air travel accessible and affordable for both the Dominican community and U.S. tourists. New York is a key market for strengthening our presence in the United States," said Víctor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet.The official announcement took place at Gregorio Luperón High School in Washington Heights, a neighborhood known for its large Dominican population. The event was attended by officials, including U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, as well as Dominican consuls Jesús Vázquez (New York) and José Santana (New Jersey).<h3>Growing Arajet’s U.S. Presence</h3>New York/Newark will be Arajet’s second destination in the contiguous United States, following the airline’s U.S. debut in Miami on April 11. San Juan, Puerto Rico, will also be added to the network on June 4.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/arajet_lanzamiento_de_ruta_a_nueva_york.jpg" alt="Arajet - Lanzamiento de ruta a Nueva York" /></figure>According to Arajet, Congressman Espaillat emphasized that the new route is part of an ongoing effort to enhance connectivity between the two countries, supported by the recent Open Skies agreement signed between the Dominican Republic and the United States.Dominican consuls also praised initiatives led by President Luis Abinader’s administration, including:<ul><li>The Open Skies agreement</li><li>The enactment of a new aviation law</li><li>Regulatory adjustments that helped the Dominican Republic maintain its FAA Category 1 status</li></ul><h3>Convenient Connections and Accessibility</h3>Passengers departing from Santo Domingo will have access to 24 additional direct destinations. Newark Liberty International Airport was selected for its strategic location and easy access to public transportation into Manhattan and other parts of the New York metropolitan area.<h3>Arajet’s New York Flight Schedule</h3><ul><li>Departs Santo Domingo at 6:18 AM – Arrives in Newark at 10:30 AM</li><li>Departs Newark at 12:00 PM – Arrives in Santo Domingo at 4:30 PM</li></ul>Operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Arajet Launches New Route Between New York/Newark and Santo Domingo

Dominican airline Arajet has announced that more than 40% of its executive and strategic positions are held by women—an achievement the company highlights as key to sustaining its growth and competitiveness in the aviation sector.According to Arajet, this female representation spans from the flight deck to ground operations and leadership roles in key corporate areas such as Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Sustainability, Operations, Engineering, and Commercial.Víctor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet, emphasized that having women in these positions "represents strategic roles within the company." He added, "Seeing women in leadership positions serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in aviation."The airline also noted that female leadership brings diverse perspectives that help tackle complex challenges and drive positive outcomes, directly enhancing the company's productivity.Additionally, Arajet highlighted that its female team members play a crucial role in advancing innovative projects in technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency, helping the airline remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Dominican Republic