Arajet Airlines makes Miami its first U.S. route

MIAMI – Arajet Airlines, the Dominican Republic’s main flag carrier, successfully made its first flight to the United States on April 11. Flight 2100 took off from Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and landed at Miami International Airport, marking a historic milestone for the airline and the Dominican aviation industry. The flight carried 189 passengers on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 named Los Haitises and was welcomed by MIA officials and representatives from the U.S. and Dominican governments.

Victor Pacheco Méndez, Arajet CEO (center), Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO (right of center), and Geanilda Vasquez, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami (left of center), cut the ribbon with Billy the Marlin and the Miami Marlin Mermaids.

This is a historical moment for Arajet and for the entire Dominican Republic. This first flight to Miami, the capital of Latin America, is just the beginning of our commitment to offering efficient and more affordable travel options for our passengers, connecting this city with the entire continent and promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between both nations.” said Victor Pacheco Mendez, CEO of Arajet.

In Miami, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue welcomed the flight with a water cannon salute before the aircraft was parked at gate E10. The Dominican and American flags were seen waving outside the cockpit in celebration.“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 from both countries, the Arajet team and all of those who made this possible.” commented Geanilda Vasquez, the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami.

During the ceremony, Pacheco, MIA representatives, and Caroline O’Connor, President of Business Operations for the Miami Marlins, exchanged a Dominican national baseball team jersey with a Marlins jersey as part of this iconic and historic celebration. Arajet’s expansion into the U.S. market underscores the rapid growth of the Dominican aviation sector and its ability to compete globally.