Arajet, the new Caribbean airline, has ordered 20 737 MAX airplanes from Boeing, specifically the high-capacity 737-8-200 model, to deliver low operating costs and expand affordable travel options in the Americas. Arajet also has options to purchase 15 additional 737 MAX jets which, along with existing lease agreements, could take the airline’s new fuel-efficient fleet to 40 airplanes. The aircraft order was finalised in January.
The airline hosted a launch event at its new hub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on March 14. Positioned between North and South America, this location in the Caribbean will leverage the range of the 737 MAX to efficiently serve a large number of traditional and underserved markets in the continental United States, Brazil, Colombia and beyond.
Arajet’s first aircraft, a Boeing 737-8 leased from Griffin Global Asset Management, was delivered in early March. As travel and tourism recovers globally, Arajet will bring approximately 4,000 new jobs and significant new economic development to the island nation. Tourism makes up 8.4% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP.