Dominican Authorities Sketch Out Plans for New National Airline

As part of an initiative entailing $8.4 billion Dominican pesos to be invested in stepping up tourism infrastructure, Dominican authorities disclosed a project to create a new airline. Flights for Air Dominicana, a national airliner to operate under technical and commercial management by Air Europa, are projected for the year 2008.

The feasibility study contemplates an initial investment of $10 million that includes operation of four aircrafts, two wide-cabin Boeing 767 for long-haul flights and two 737 series 800 for shorter distances to the United States and the Caribbean.

At the end of this month, the Tourism Ministry and investors will lay out the work plan for the coming months, including formal constitution of a company and training in Spain of pilots, luggage and cargo staff, flight stewardesses and mechanics.