Arajet Airlines Makes Historic First Flight to the United States

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.

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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.

DETROIT (AP) — Right-hander Kyle Finnegan finalized a $19 million, two-year contract on Saturday to remain with the Detroit Tigers.

Finnegan gets salaries of $8.75 million next year and $8 million in 2027, and the deal includes a $10 million mutual option for 2028 with a $2.25 million buyout.

He can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses in both 2026 and '27 for games finished: $125,000 each for 40, 45, 50 and 55.

A 34-year-old who was an All-Star in 2024 when he had a career-high 38 saves, Finnegan was acquired by the Tigers from Washington on July 31 for minor league pitchers Josh Randall and R.J. Sales. He became a free agent last month.

Finnegan was 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA and four saves in 16 relief appearances for the Tigers, striking out 23 and walking four in 18 innings. He didn’t pitch for the Tigers between Aug. 31 and Sept. 20 because of a right adductor strain.

He was 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA with 24 saves in 56 relief appearances overall this year, striking out 55 and walking 18 in 57 innings. He had a $6 million, one-year contract that included $4 million in deferred money payable through January 2028.

Finnegan throws mostly fastballs that averaged 96.3 mph this year and splitters, also mixing in some sliders.

He is 26-30 with a 3.55 ERA with 112 saves over 347 relief appearances in six seasons with the Nationals (2020-25) and Tigers. He struck out 343 and walked 135 in 347 1/3 innings.

Finnegan is part of a bullpen that includes right-handers Will Vest and Brenan Hanifee, and lefties Tyler Holton and Brant Hurter.

To open a roster spot for Finnegan, the Tigers designated outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy for assignment.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

FILE - Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Aug. 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)