How Arajet is Using Bachata and Merengue to Connect with Passengers

Arajet has begun playing exclusive music aboard its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The company introduced original merengue and bachata compositions that are featured during passenger boarding and deplaning procedures.

According to the airline, this measure aims to reinforce Dominican cultural identity in the travel experience. To achieve this, four original musical pieces were created. They are presented in two formats: rhythmic versions for daytime flights and slower arrangements, in "apambichado" and bolero styles, for night routes.

The implementation of this initiative coincides with Arajet's expansion phase, as it operates a network of routes from Santo Domingo and reported transporting over half a million passengers in the first half of 2025.

Who composed Arajet's new music? The project was coordinated by music producer Federico Méndez, a graduate of Berklee College of Music. Fifteen musicians participated, including members of the Juan Luis Guerra y 440 band, such as pianist Janina Rosado and percussionist Juan de la Cruz “Chocolate”. Violinist José Francisco Pérez, who took part in Adele's 2024 European tour, also collaborated.

The musical direction was handled by Federico Méndez, a guitarist and producer who has taught at institutions such as Berklee College of Music and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg.

The airline's CEO, Víctor Pacheco, addressed the initiative in a statement, where he affirmed that "Arajet is proud to bring this cultural expression on board, reaffirming its mission to connect the world with the Dominican essence not only through the destination but also through the flight experience itself." In the same document, Pacheco added that "with Arajet, the music of our land also flies high."

The recording team included musicians with extensive careers in the Dominican scene, such as the aforementioned Janina Rosado and Juan de la Cruz “Chocolate”, as well as Naya Macea, Luis Mojica, and Rafael Carrasco, all part of the 440 band. Recordings also took place outside the country: violinist José Francisco Pérez recorded his arrangements from Germany, as did flutist Fiete Felsch.