PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — FL Technics has officially received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services at its newly established facility in Punta Cana, a development that further strengthens the Dominican Republic’s growing role in the regional aviation industry.
The FAA granted the company a Part 145 Repair Station Certificate following a comprehensive review process that evaluated maintenance procedures, operational systems, technical equipment, workforce qualifications, and facility standards. The approval authorizes FL Technics to offer maintenance services to airlines and aircraft leasing companies operating throughout the Americas.
According to the company, the certification represents a significant milestone in the launch of operations at the Punta Cana facility and opens the door to servicing U.S.-registered aircraft and international airline fleets.
“This milestone marks the official start of FL Technics’ operations and represents an important step forward for our company,” said Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics Group. “The certification enables us to provide services to airlines and leasing companies, with JetBlue becoming our first customer at the facility.”
Lapinskas also highlighted the importance of the company’s partnership with Grupo Puntacana, which jointly invested in the project to establish one of the most advanced aircraft maintenance centers in the Caribbean.
“We are proud of the progress achieved through our collaboration with Grupo Puntacana and look forward to building strong partnerships with airlines and aviation companies around the world,” he added.
Punta Cana Expands Its Role in Aviation Services
Located within the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone, the new MRO center spans approximately 20,000 square meters and has been designed to provide maintenance services for aircraft in the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, two of the most widely operated commercial aircraft platforms globally.
The facility is part of a broader effort to diversify the Dominican Republic’s economy by attracting high-value aviation, logistics, and technical services investments.
Industry experts view the FAA certification as a significant achievement, as it positions Punta Cana as a competitive destination for aircraft maintenance operations serving airlines throughout North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Growth Plans and Workforce Development
FL Technics executives emphasized that workforce development remains a central component of the company’s long-term strategy in the Dominican Republic.
“Our goal over the coming years is to continue developing local talent and ultimately transfer full operational responsibility to qualified professionals from the community,” said Mejico Ángeles Lithgow, CEO of FL Technics Dominican Republic.
The company has already received operational approval from the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), complementing the newly obtained FAA certification and allowing it to expand its service capabilities.
Looking ahead, FL Technics plans to significantly increase the facility’s capacity, expanding from five maintenance bays to as many as 20 bays in future development phases. The expansion is expected to support growing demand from regional and international carriers while creating specialized employment opportunities in aviation maintenance and engineering.
Economic Impact and Regional Significance
The investment is expected to generate long-term economic benefits for Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic through job creation, technical training programs, and increased foreign direct investment.
As airlines continue to seek efficient maintenance solutions closer to their operating markets, Punta Cana’s strategic location and modern infrastructure are increasingly attracting aviation-related businesses.
The FAA certification also reinforces the Dominican Republic’s reputation as a reliable aviation partner in the Caribbean, complementing the country’s strong tourism sector with a growing aerospace and technical services industry.
With plans for future expansion and a commitment to serving airlines across the Americas, FL Technics is positioning its Punta Cana facility as a key maintenance hub capable of supporting the evolving needs of commercial aviation throughout the region.
