LIVE VIDEO: T.F. Green Announces International Direct Flights to Dominican Republic UPDATED
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
State officials and Rhode Island Airport Corporation leaders announced Tuesday that Sun Country will be adding direct international flights to the Dominican Republic beginning this November. This is a major expansion of service at T.F. Green.
Sun Country joins Air Canada and Norwegian Air with direct international flights from T.F. Green.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe addition of direct flights is expected to be a boon to both family travel and tourism.
The route will be seasonal from November through April beginning November 16. Initially, flights will be available once a week on Saturdays, but will expand to twice a week (Wednesdays/Saturdays) starting December 25.
"We announce a great new international route that will benefit the airport, Rhode Island’s tourism economy and Rhode Island’s strong and vibrant Latino community,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO of the RIAC. “Rhode Island is home to thousands of Dominicans who will now be able to enjoy the convenience of traveling nonstop from T.F. Green Airport. When I first took this position, I met with Mayor Elorza and he stressed the importance of securing this route. I’m very pleased this has come together for the community and I want to thank Sun Country for making it happen.”
“We’re thrilled to expand our network in Providence and to provide another nonstop international route for T.F. Green,” said Sun Country Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jude Bricker. “Our focus on low fares and excellent customer service has been a great fit in this market, and we appreciate the great partnership we have with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. We look forward to continuing to grow our presence here in Providence.”
Rhode Island -- and DR
In Rhode Island, the Dominican population is estimated to be near 50,000 — approximately 5 percent of the state’s population. It is also the largest segment of the state’s growing Latino population.
Presently, those living in southern New England must travel to Boston to fly to the Dominican Republic.
The VIP laden press conference included Rhode Island Airport Corporation President and CEO Iftikhar Ahmad, House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey in welcoming the expansion of the airports' global reach.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza; Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon; Providence City Council President Sabina Matos; Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor and RIAC Board Chairman Jonathan Savage were at the event.
“T.F. Green Airport is one of America’s most convenient airports and a major economic driver for the state of Rhode Island,” said R.I. Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “It is great to see the addition of new direct flights to destinations around the world, and we thank Sun Country Airlines for expanding its service at T.F. Green yet again.”
“On behalf of the board, we are pleased Sun Country continues to expand their operations at T.F. Green with this important international route. We encourage all Rhode Islanders and regional travelers to take advantage of this new route,” said Jonathan Savage, chair of RIAC’s Board of Directors.
Sun Country Airlines is based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The award-winning airline, which flies to popular destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean, has earned a reputation for offering world-class service at an affordable price. The airline offers vacation packages through Sun Country Vacations.
This story was first published 5/21/2019 at 10:34 AM. Updated on 5/22/2019 at 5:15 AM.
