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Arajet Airlines Makes Historic First Flight to the United States

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Arajet Airlines Makes Historic First Flight to the United States
News

News

Arajet Airlines Makes Historic First Flight to the United States

2025-04-15 21:15 Last Updated At:21:41

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 15, 2025--

Arajet, the Dominican 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 press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250415367004/en/

This achievement was partly made possible thanks to 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 welcomed by Miami airport authorities as well as U.S. and Dominican government representatives.

Arajet will be flying four times a week between Santo Domingo and Miami starting today and will increase its frequency to daily flights starting this summer, as well as adding a route between Punta Cana and Miami, also with daily flights.

Arajet has already transported more than two million passengers, and this expansion in the US market represents a significant step in 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 US 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. He stated, "I am proud to travel with Arajet to visit my family in Miami. It is our Dominican airline, and we must support it."

"This is a historic moment for Arajet and for 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 with the entire continent and fostering tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between both nations."

In Miami, the flight was greeted with a welcome and celebratory water jet 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 this possible.”

Arajet's expansion into the U.S. market, which has already flown more than two million passengers since its launch 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.

For more information about Arajet, flight schedules, and future destinations, please visit www.arajet.com.

About Arajet Airlines
Arajet is the Dominican Republic's leading airline, dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable air travel. With a firm commitment to excellence and innovation, the airline continues to expand its route network, connecting the Dominican Republic with key international destinations.

As Arajet arrived in Miami, Arajet Founder & CEO Víctor Pacheco and Arajet First Officer Robert Peña waved the American and Dominican Republic flags.

As Arajet arrived in Miami, Arajet Founder & CEO Víctor Pacheco and Arajet First Officer Robert Peña waved the American and Dominican Republic flags.

PARIS (AP) — Champions League finalist Paris Saint-Germain will be missing several players through injury for Sunday's Ligue 1 game at home against Brest.

Central defender Willian Pacho and left back Nuno Mendes have minor right thigh injuries while midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery has been ruled out with lower back pain, the club said in its pre-match medical bulletin Saturday.

PSG was already without star right back Achraf Hakimi and backup goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier due to thigh injuries.

Coach Luis Enrique said several young players would be in the squad and urged fans and media not to criticize them if they make mistakes. Last Saturday, PSG academy striker Pierre Mounguengue came on as a second-half substitute then gave the ball away for the equalizing goal in a 1-1 draw with Lorient.

PSG eliminated Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday and will defend its European crown against Premier League leader Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest.

Luis Enrique said the double-header against Bayern, which saw a 5-4 for win for PSG in the first leg in Paris, had a physical impact.

“None of the players are seriously injured but it's true that the intensity of the two matches left its mark,” he said. “I've seen the match again and I'm very proud of what we did.”

He praised 20-year-old forward Désiré Doué, who scored twice in last season's 5-0 rout of Inter Milan in the Champions League final and is set for his 100th PSG appearance. Doué was outstanding against Bayern and tormented the defense with his pace, movement and skill over both legs.

“He's a very important player, very young but with a lot of technical and physical attributes," Luis Enrique said. "He's in the process of constantly improving.”

PSG has not yet sealed the Ligue 1 title but the defending champion can do so against second-place Lens on Wednesday in a rescheduled match from April.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Bayern's Dayot Upamecano, foreground, stops PSG's Nuno Mendes during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Bayern's Dayot Upamecano, foreground, stops PSG's Nuno Mendes during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Bayern's Aleksandar Pavlovic, right, challenges PSG's Warren Zaire-Emery during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Bayern's Aleksandar Pavlovic, right, challenges PSG's Warren Zaire-Emery during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

PSG's Willian Pacho, foreground, stops Bayern's Jamal Musiala during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

PSG's Willian Pacho, foreground, stops Bayern's Jamal Musiala during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

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