Dominican Wings (Santo Domingo Las Américas) has announced it is transitioning from the passenger charter market to the scheduled services niche.
The move follows Lithuanian ACMI/charter operator Avion Express's decision to exit the Dominican carrier in June last year, selling its 65% stake to 35% shareholder and Dominican Wings President, Victor Pacheco. Among the relaunched carrier's new shareholders and advisory partners is Michael Powell, who currently serves as the interim Chief Financial Officer and Executive Chairman for Argentine ULCC Flybondi (FO, Córdoba International). He has now been appointed the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dominican Wings.
In a statement issued on March 6, Dominican Wings said it is seeking USD60 million in investment capital for its relaunch as an ultra-low-cost carrier. Based on flightcrew recruitment advertisements, it will employ at least one A320 Family jet on flights throughout the Caribbean.
"The Dominican air travel market has experienced steady growth in the last few years and Dominican Wings believes that, by adopting the ULCC model, it can accelerate that growth," it said. "As such, Dominican Wings will be a catalyst for the rapid expansion of the air transportation market in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean as a whole. New traffic to and from the island will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities and have a significant positive impact on the regional and national economy."
The president of the Dominican aviation supervisory board (Junta de Aviación Civil -JAC), Luis Ernesto Camilo, has since confirmed the change in business model.
Further details are expected to be revealed in due course including its initial operating base where negotiations are on-going with several airports in the country.
