By the Caribbean Journal staff
The governments of Portugal and the Dominican Republic have signed a new air services agreement, replacing the previous pact from February 1995.
The agreement ensures a more flexible regulatory framework, according to the two sides.
It means that Dominican and Portuguese air carriers can fly, without limitation, to any destination in the two countries, either directly or via a third country.
The Dominican Republic’s delegation was headed by Secretary of State and President of the Civil Aviation Board Luis Rodriguez Ariza.
Portugal’s group was led by Luis Trindade Santos, chairman of the country’s National Civil Aviation Institute.
During what the Dominican Republic called an “intense” round of negotiations, the Portuguese delegation designated air carriers White Airways and TAP Airlines to operate points in the Dominican Republic.
Portuguese carrier ORBS Portugal was also an observer in the talks.
The ceremony was attended by Jaime Duran, the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Portugal, who called the agreement beneficial to both countries.