The governments of Canada and the Dominican Republic have signed a historic 'Open Skies' agreement after two years of negotiations. This agreement will remove most restrictions for airlines from Canada and the Dominican Republic operating between the two countries.

With a goal of enhancing bilateral relations, trade, tourism, and connectivity, airlines from both countries will have restrictions removed on the frequency and routes in which they are currently operating.

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From anywhere in Canada to anywhere in the DR

The agreement permits carriers to operate flights from any airport in Canada to any in the Dominican Republic. However, it is unlikely to see anything too ridiculous, as careful consideration to market demand, will be taken before the introduction of routes. José Marte Piantini, head of the Dominican Civil Aviation Board, released this statement:

"This agreement will improve direct connectivity between the two states and boost air transport as a tool to promote tourism and trade, vital for the economic development of the country."

Benefiting not just tourism

With over 715,000 Canadians visiting the Dominican Republic in 2022, it remains a popular choice for vacationers. However, the agreement is expected to boost tourist numbers and the Dominican economy in mining, financial services, energy, and manufacturing. Increasing demand for products and a hope to increase employment.

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Canadian airlines stronghold

With 94% of flight operations between the Dominican Republic and Canada operated by Canadian airlines, the likes of Air Canada, Sunwing, and Air Transat currently have a firm grip on the market. Dominican airline Arajet has signaled its intent for some time to commence operations between the two countries, with founder and CEO of Arajet, Victor Pacheco Méndez, commenting on the announcement:

"Thanks to this agreement, air services will be more affordable and efficient, free supply and demand will be strengthened, air transport between our countries will grow and opportunities for commercial and cultural exchange will increase, key elements for the relationship between Canada and the Dominican Republic."

Cheaper tickets are coming.

The agreement also includes provisions for ground handling services, charter or non-scheduled flights, and codeshare operations. Sixth freedom flights are also permitted under the agreement for passengers, cargo, and combined operations (explained below).

With increased scheduling predicted, the costs of airfares are expected to drop, enabling more opportunities for travelers between the two nations.

Sixth freedom flights

A sixth freedom flight stated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is 'The right to fly from one foreign country to another while stopping in one's own country for non-technical reasons.' An example of this would be:

Air Canada operates a flight from Paris, France, via Montreal, Canada, onwards to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.

You can learn more about the 'Freedoms of Aviation' here.

Sources: Aviancionline

• 

  Toronto Pearson International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  YYZ/CYYZ

  Country:

  Canada

  CEO:

  Deborah Flint

  Passenger Count :

  13,300,000 (2020)

  Runways :

  05/23 - 3 ,389m (11,119ft) | 06L/24R - 2,956m (9,698ft) | 06R/24L - 2,743m (8,999ft) | 15L/33R - 3,368m (11,050ft) | 15R/33L - 2,770m (9,088ft)

  Terminals:

  Terminal 1 | Terminal 3

• 

  Air Canada

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  AC/ACA

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Calgary International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1967

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  CEO:

  Michael Rousseau

  Country:

  Canada

  Region:

  North America

• 

  Air Transat

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  TS/TSC

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Year Founded:

  1986

  CEO:

  Annick Guérard

  Country:

  Canada

  Hub(s):

  Montréal–Trudeau International Airport

  Region:

  North America