Arajet, the Dominican Republic airline, successfully completed its first flight to the United States. Flight DM 2100 took off from Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and landed at Miami International Airport (MIA), marking a historic milestone for the airline and the Dominican aviation industry.
This achievement was made possible in part by the Open Skies Agreement, which facilitates greater connectivity between the Dominican Republic and the United States.
The flight carried 168 passengers on a Boeing 737 Max 8 named Los Haitises and was received by Miami airport authorities as well as U.S. and Dominican government representatives.
Starting today, Arajet will fly four times a week between Santo Domingo and Miami, and starting this summer, it will increase the frequency to seven flights a week, as well as adding the route between Punta Cana and Miami, also with seven weekly frequencies.
Arajet has already transported more than two million passengers, and this expansion into the U.S. market represents a significant step toward strengthening the country's presence in international aviation.
The flight in Santo Domingo was seen off by Monika Infante, CEO of AERODOM, and Ariel Yánez, representing the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic.
Arajet also recognized Pablo Mejía Durán as the first Dominican passenger to fly to the United States with the airline, who expressed, "I feel proud to travel with Arajet to visit my family in Miami. It's our Dominican airline, and we have to support it."
"This is a momentous moment for Arajet and the entire Dominican Republic," said Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO of Arajet. "This first flight to the capital of Latin America, Miami, is just the beginning of our commitment to offering efficient and more affordable travel options for our passengers, connecting this city to the entire continent and fostering tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between both nations."
In Miami, the flight was greeted with a splash of water and celebration until the aircraft was parked at Gate E10, where the Dominican and American flags were seen waving in celebration.
“We are proud to welcome Arajet Airlines and thank them for making MIA their first destination in the United States,” said Ralph Cutié, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Miami International Airport. “We hope their new flights will attract even more visitors to our community and provide our residents with another affordable option for traveling to the Dominican Republic.”
For her part, the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, Geanilda Vásquez, celebrated the flight, stating: "This flight is an achievement that reflects the growth of our aviation sector and the increasing connectivity that benefits both Dominicans and those who wish to visit our country. I want to congratulate the aviation authorities of both countries, the Arajet team, and everyone who made it possible."
Arajet's expansion into the U.S. market, which has already flown more than two million passengers since launching operations 30 months ago, underscores the rapid growth of the Dominican aviation sector and its ability to compete globally. The airline remains committed to offering world-class service, competitive fares, and expanded routes to meet growing traveler demand.
Source: Arajet.