As happens every August 16 and February 27, rumors of changes sweep through government institutions. Different groups speculate about which new faction may or may not take control of one institution or another. The aviation sector is no exception, and theories surrounding each potential change begin circulating weeks before the date.
For us, as observers of the sector who seek its improvement, it is concerning that, in the past, these institutions have become political spoils used to reward various groups allied with the government, while their fundamentally technical mission is pushed aside.
It is painful to see technically qualified colleagues within these institutions suddenly displaced by new political appointees from outside the sector, or to see sound development projects abandoned or scaled back in favor of initiatives more closely aligned with political objectives. But change is not always for the worse. On this occasion, we have seen some changes that could strengthen the system rather than weaken it, giving us some reason for optimism about the industry.
Civil Aviation Board (JAC)
As the highest governing body of the Dominican aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) is a delicate institution to balance. The combination of economic and political interests at the core of its mission makes it an important pillar of institutional stability. Its responsibilities include oversight of several institutions within the sector, as well as implementation of ICAO Annex 9, which addresses the facilitation of passenger air transport. As a result, its responsibilities range from overseeing the institution responsible for aircraft accident investigations to addressing the quality—or lack thereof—of airline service provided to passengers.
The appointment of Julio Peña Guzmán as the new president of the JAC appears to us to be a good choice. Peña Guzmán has been involved in the aviation sector for many years as an attorney and performed well during his tenure as Ambassador to ICAO. His vision of restructuring the sector based on international best practices is modern and progressive and could contribute significantly to the development of the national aviation system.
The JAC faces several major challenges: the investigation of the 2021 Helidosa accident and the more recent corporate jet accident in La Romana; the excessive signing of Open Skies agreements without adequate analysis; the rapid growth of national airlines; the increase in passenger complaints; interference by business interests in technical decisions; and conflicts of interest involving government suppliers serving within government bodies, among other issues. We hope that Mr. Peña Guzmán will address these new challenges with a modern and balanced approach and that he will be able to secure the cooperation of the various sectors involved in addressing all of these matters.
Airport Department
This was a surprise we did not expect. Mr. Víctor Pichardo had led this institution since the beginning of the Abinader administration. His approachable and politically adept manner had earned him considerable support within the sector, as had his project to create a nationwide network of heliports. Under his leadership, several new airports were either initiated or completed, and Aerodom’s concession agreement was renegotiated.
However, there were also frustrations. The renegotiation of the Aerodom agreement, for example, drew significant criticism in the press, as did the recurring problems at Las Américas International Airport. From the pilots’ perspective, frustration continued to grow over the prolonged closure of Constanza’s domestic airport for runway renovations—now lasting more than two years—as well as the limited implementation of the Protocol for the Management of Non-Commercial Private Aviation, an initiative promoted by Mr. Pichardo.
The new head of the institution, Mr. Mérido Torres Espinal, was perhaps the most unexpected appointment of all. He is an attorney by profession and, as far as we have been able to determine, has not previously been involved in the aviation sector. We will have to wait and see what plans Mr. Torres brings to the position, but we certainly hope that his tenure will be successful.
Specialized Corps for Airport and Civil Aviation Security (CESAC)
In the Dominican Republic, this agency is generally headed by a military officer. That is not the case in other countries such as the United States, where civilian agencies are responsible for airport security.
In this case, Brigadier General and pilot Manuel Abad García Lightow of the Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD) assumes leadership of CESAC, replacing Brigadier General and pilot Enmanuel Souffront Tamayo, who has been promoted to Major General and appointed Commanding General of the FARD.
CESAC has faced serious challenges in recent years, one of its most notable scandals being the theft of electrical cables at Las Américas International Airport, as well as issues surrounding the access of general aviation pilots to ramp areas.
Other institutions, such as the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA), remained unchanged. However, changes at IDAC are expected by February of next year, as well as at the CIAA, whose current head is listed as serving on a temporary basis under his appointment.
It is important to develop a common agenda for the advancement of the entire sector, bringing together the different stakeholders to confront the major challenges created by the operational growth experienced in recent years. The continued professionalization and technical development of the sector must remain a priority, accompanied by better personnel training, improved salaries, and better living and working conditions.
