The movement of passengers between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic has seen an astonishing 1,600% enhance since Arajet’s historic first direct flight on November 14, 2022.
Whereas the variety of vacationers between the 2 nations was just about non-existent in 2020, the determine surged to three,300 passengers in 2022. By June 2024, this quantity had already exceeded 58,000, marking a big milestone in regional air connectivity.
This spectacular development was highlighted by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica, which famous the achievement as a part of a broader report on the ten most important accomplishments of the diplomatic mission over the previous three and a half years. The embassy, led by Ambassador Angie Martínez, has overseen greater than 500 milestones throughout this era.
In 2022, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica secured a particular allow from the Jamaican authorities, permitting Dominican airways to function direct flights between the 2 international locations, regardless of the absence of a signed Air Companies Settlement on the time.
“Attaining air connectivity between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has been the true recreation changer in bilateral relations,” stated Ambassador Martínez. “The 1,600% enhance in passenger movement is a transparent instance of how these relations have remodeled.”
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Arajet’s CEO and founder, Victor Pacheco, expressed satisfaction within the route’s success, emphasizing the airline’s function in strengthening diplomatic ties. “We’re extraordinarily proud to have contributed to strengthening diplomatic ties between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica,” stated Pacheco. “This enhance in passenger movement demonstrates the demand and potential of this connection, alongside our dedication to providing high-quality providers at an accessible worth.”
Earlier than the introduction of direct flights, vacationers between the 2 international locations needed to endure stopovers within the U.S., Panama, or the Turks and Caicos Islands, turning a easy one-hour flight right into a journey of as much as 16 hours. Arajet’s direct route has not solely lower journey occasions however has additionally lowered ticket costs by roughly 60%, making it extra reasonably priced for passengers.
“Now, we’ve simplified this course of, permitting passengers to get pleasure from a quick, environment friendly journey,” added Pacheco. “Our purpose is to proceed being a bridge that unites our peoples, supporting financial and social improvement within the area.”
The Dominican Embassy additionally introduced that the governments of each nations have concluded negotiations for the long-awaited Normal Air Companies Settlement, which had been stalled for over 12 years.
Improved commerce between Jamaica and Dominican Republic
The direct flight between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica is not only an achievement in air connectivity but in addition a catalyst for elevated commerce and investments. Since 2020, Dominican exports to Jamaica have practically doubled, from $74 million pre-pandemic to $134 million in 2022, with projections of $145 million by the tip of 2023.
Moreover, the Dominican Embassy has attracted over $65 million in new investments, with a forecast of $600 million, significantly within the tourism sector.
“Air connectivity represents a good looking instance for the area, proving that we will break down myths like the dearth of air connectivity within the Caribbean,” stated Martínez.
