David Collado, the Minister of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, and José W. Fernández, the Undersecretary of State of the United States, have concluded the open skies treaty negotiations. The official signing is to occur soon in a formal event presided over by President Luis Abinader at the Dominican National Palace.
The concluding event was held at the Secretary of State in the North American capital, marking the initiation of efforts to make the agreement fully functional after over 25 years of negotiations.
Minister Collado emphasized that this treaty is a boon for the country’s air connectivity, allowing Dominican and US airlines to fly to any destination in each other’s nations. This should increase competition, hopefully leading to lower flight costs between the two countries.
“We were successful in closing this agreement due to the dedication and foresight of President Luis Abinader and the entire tourism division. This enhancement of air connectivity is something I am proud to announce, made possible through the assistance of all the country’s airports,” said Collado. He continued, “The Dominican Republic was one of the few countries without an open skies agreement with the United States, and this signing will impact Dominicans by offering more competitive airfare to their country and promote the surge of US tourists in our country.”
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Undersecretary Fernandez noted that “this agreement boosts our bilateral relations and consolidates our strong financial connections” and admired the leadership role of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean and Central America. He stated that “this engagement is not only a relationship, but also encourages growth, competition, and consumer benefits. It will foster more commerce, economic interactions, tourism influx, student exchanges, and numerous opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and consumers.”
Local airlines get support from Open Skies Agreement
Collado expressed gratitude to Dominican airlines, airports like Punta Cana and Cibao, Aerodom, and significant industry figures such as Antonio Yapor, Monika Infante, the civil aviation director – Héctor Porcella, the Aviation Board president – José Marte Piantini, and the airport director – Víctor Pichardo for their support. The negotiation team also received appreciation, which included Vice Minister Patricia Mejía, lawyers Práxedes Joaquín Castillo and Leonel Melo, and the Tourism legal consultant Natashú Domínguez.
Representatives from the United States government praised President Abinader’s administration’s efforts to finalize this agreement. For the Americans, establishing open skies is a state policy to ensure improved competitiveness, effective anti-monopoly practices, and greater sky accessibility for airlines.
The open skies agreement now enters a standard administrative phase, typical for any binational treaty. The Dominican Congress also needs to ratify it.