Flight 3579, a direct, commercial flight from Miami, USA, landed at the Douglas-Charles Airport with seventy-two (72) passengers on board on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 as American Airlines launched its nonstop service to Dominica.
This historic flight made American Airlines the first airline to offer nonstop direct service from the US mainland to Dominica.
Minister for Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, Honourable Denise Charles stated that the start of the direct flight service is a new chapter for tourism in Dominica.
“Today, is a historic day for Dominica. Today starts a new and exciting chapter for tourism and travel to our destination. Ladies and gentlemen this new service will connect over 40 US cities to Dominica, will make Miami a connecting hub for travelers from Canada, Asia, and Europe and because of the promotion of Dominica on American Airlines platform. It will assist us in our journey to achieve two hundred thousand (200,000) stay over visitors by 2025,” Hon. Charles stated.
The Tourism Minister went on to say she is excited for all the benefits that Dominicans home and abroad will gain from these direct flights.
“I am excited for our Dominican nationals abroad who long for faster service to see their families, friends and to join in our annual festivities. I am excited for our businesses who will find it much easier to connect with partners, clients, and markets. And I am really excited for our tourism stakeholders and those who livelihoods dependent on tourism, who have had a rough and challenging season because of this pandemic who will benefit from an increased visitor arrival,” Hon. Charles added.
Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit stated that this Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, continues to work to ensure that Dominica is an attractive destination for visitors.
“As international travel continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic it has spurred greater interest and desire for people to commune with the great outdoors and as we look round us in Dominica and what better place that the Commonwealth of Dominica, this Government continues to invest in making Dominica an attractive destination to visit. We have upgraded the facilities here at the Douglas Charles Airport, and ensured that the necessary infrastructure is in place to guarantee passenger safety and enhance visitor experience,” PM Skerrit noted.
The Prime Minister then pledged the support of Government to American Airlines in their efforts to continuously provide efficient service.
“I offer you absolute support as you begin operations here. I am confident that all is in place to ensure smooth and reliable service, and we always remain available to you, to facilitate continued efficiency, and the provision of quality service to all travelers. On behalf of the people and Government of Dominica, I thank you for your faith in our destination and for your close collaboration over the past months as we prepared to launch this flight. Dominica welcomes you with open arms,” PM Skerrit added.
Regional Manager of American Airlines for the Eastern Caribbean Region, Ms. Cathy-Ann Joseph stated that American Airlines remains committed to the revival of the tourism sector in Dominica and the Caribbean by extension.
“We are underscoring our commitment to opening the doors of the Caribbean to the world and helping not only with the recovery but ultimately with the growth of tourism in the region. Today, our entire American Airlines family is thrilled to launch our new service between the natural paradise of Dominica and Miami becoming the first airline to offer nonstop service to the US mainland. 2021 has been a year of recovery and growth for us around the world and we are looking forward to continue reinforcing our commitment to the Caribbean in 2022 and beyond,” Ms. Joseph stated.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of the United States to Dominica, Her Excellency Linda Swartz Taglialatela noted that this direct service is one way of strengthening the ties between the United States of America and Dominica.
“We are pleased that American Airlines is building yet another bridge between the United States and Dominica through their linking our nation, people, and shared commitment to mutual understandings across cultures. This is a bridge that will strengthen our ties and make our people to people exchanges that much easier, more frequent and deeper,” Her Excellency Taglialatela explained.