The flow of passengers between the capitals of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic has registered a notable increase of 1,600%, since the historic first direct flight operated by Arajet, on November 14, 2022. 

While in 2020 the number of travellers was practically non-existent, in 2022 it reached 3,300 passengers, a growth that continued to rise steadily.

By June 2024, the flow of visitors already exceeded 58,000 people. This impressive increase was highlighted by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica in a series of informative reports in which it gave an account of the 10 most transcendental achievements achieved by the diplomatic mission, during these three-and-a-half years under the management of career diplomat and internationalist lawyer, Angie Martinez.

It is recalled that in 2022 the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica announced that it had obtained a special permit from the Jamaican authorities, so that, despite the fact that the Air Services Agreement had not been signed, Dominican airlines could operate direct commercial flights between the two countries. 

“Achieving the establishment of air connectivity between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has been the true ‘game changer’ of bilateral relations. The 1,600% increase in passenger flow is just one example of how relations between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica have been transformed in an impressive way,” said the Dominican Ambassador to Jamaica, Martinez.

For his part, the CEO and founder of Arajet, Victor Pacheco, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the route and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to continue facilitating air transport between these two important Caribbean destinations. “We are extremely proud to have contributed to strengthening diplomatic ties between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. This increase in passenger flow not only demonstrates the need and potential for this connection but also our dedication to providing high-quality services at a price that is accessible to all.”

Before the existence of this flight, travelling from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica was a complicated journey, with stopovers in the United States, Panama or the Turks and Caicos Islands, making a journey that should be simple, no more than 1 hour and 10 minutes, a long journey of up to 11 and 16 hours. 

“Now, we have simplified this process, allowing our passengers to enjoy a fast and efficient journey. In addition, thanks to Arajet’s ultra-low-cost model, the price of the ticket has been reduced by approximately 60%, making air travel between the two countries much more accessible.  Our goal is to continue being a bridge that unites our peoples, supporting the economic and social development of the region,” Pacheco concluded.

 “Air connectivity represents a beautiful example for the entire region that it can be done and an eloquent testimony that together we can debunk great myths, such as the lack of air connectivity in the Caribbean. This direct flight is the result of a joint effort and the shared vision of both governments to foster a closer relationship at all levels,” said Martinez.

The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica reported that the governments of both countries have successfully concluded negotiations for the signing of the long-awaited General Air Services Agreement, which was stalled for more than 12 years.

Air connectivity and increased trade and investment

The Dominican Mission in Jamaica sees a direct connection between air and maritime connectivity, and the dynamism of trade and investment between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. From 2020 to date, Dominican exports to Jamaica have almost doubled. Before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020), Dominican exports to Jamaica were barely US$74 million, in 2022, it exceeded US$134 million and the projection was that by 2023 it would be approximately US$145 million. In the case of investments, the Dominican Embassy in Kingston has attracted more than US$65 million in new investments and projects another US$600 million, particularly in the tourism sector.