Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Arajet Airlines Makes Historic First Flight to the United States

News

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.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A fast-spreading blaze prompted evacuation orders Friday afternoon in a sparsely populated area of Los Angeles County.

The brush fire sparked around 1 p.m. under dry and scorching hot conditions in a remote high desert region about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of LA, according to the LA County Fire Department. Temperatures in the area soared to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

The fire reached about 2,700 acres (1,092 hectares) by evening, Angeles National Forest officials said on the social media platform X. It's unclear how many buildings are threatened by the blaze.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at a YMCA in Los Angeles County.

The nearest town to its east is Piñon Hills, a census-designated community of about 7,200 people in San Bernardino County. Parts of the town were under an evacuation warning by Friday evening.

Most of the U.S. is entering a heat wave this weekend caused by an unusually strong and long-lasting heat dome that will add to an already high wildfire risk this year in many drought-stricken regions. Temperatures are expected to be 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 14 degrees Celsius) warmer than normal in some areas.

Alan Hiiesalu, a property owner at left, stays with his horse before surveying his land during the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Alan Hiiesalu, a property owner at left, stays with his horse before surveying his land during the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Flames rise on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Flames rise on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Firefighters work on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Firefighters work on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

A helicopter drops water on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

A helicopter drops water on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Firefighters watch as a helicopter drops water on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Firefighters watch as a helicopter drops water on the Summit Fire in Llano, CA. Friday, July 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Recommended Articles