Air Dominicana to Take Flight

The Dominican Today is reporting that the Dominican Republic is forging ahead with plans to create a new national airline to be called Air Dominicana. The airline will operate under technical and commercial management by Air Europa. The feasibility study anticipates an initial investment of $10 million. This includes operation of four aircraft: two wide-cabin Boeing 767s for longer hauls and two 737 Series 800 for shorter flights to the United States and the Caribbean. By the end of February, the country's Tourism Ministry and investors will design a strategy going forward including training in Spain of pilots, luggage and cargo staff, flight stewardesses and mechanics. Initial flights are projected for the year 2008.