Expansion of Low-Cost Airline to Sanford Airport Offers Lower Fares for Travelers
A low-cost airline, Arajet, has announced plans to expand its U. S. operations to Sanford Airport, with direct flights to the Dominican Republic starting in the fall. This will be the first new carrier to offer services at the airport since 2021.
Arajet, based in the Dominican Republic and founded in 2022 by Victor Pacheco Mendes, will begin offering three weekly flights between Orlando Sanford International Airport and Punta Cana International Airport on October 26. Tickets are now available for purchase, with fares starting at $138 to Punta Cana and $162 back to Sanford.
According to Mendes, there is a high demand for lower fares among travelers in the Central Florida region. However, Arajet offers more than just cheap prices. The airline aims to provide a quality travel experience for its passengers.
The Sanford Airport, located about 45 miles northeast of Walt Disney World, has historically been overshadowed by the much larger Orlando International Airport. While the latter boasts 40 airlines and handled over 57 million passengers last year, Sanford Airport only had 2. 9 million passengers. However, the airport prides itself on being a faster and more convenient option for travelers due to its smaller size.
Nicole Martz, the president and CEO of Sanford Airport, expressed her excitement for Arajet’s decision to operate at the airport, stating that it is an important milestone for both the airport and the communities it serves. She also highlighted the strong connection between the Dominican Republic and Central Florida, with a significant number of Dominican residents in the area.
Mendes believes that the new route will appeal to local residents who want to visit friends and family in the Dominican Republic. He also mentioned the airline’s plans to eventually connect travelers to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
Arajet currently operates out of hubs in Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Juan, with plans to add Miami in June. The airline’s fleet consists of 10 Boeing 737-Max 8 jets, with plans to add three more this year and four next year. By the end of 2026, the airline hopes to have a total of 17 jets in its fleet.
Punta Cana, the destination for Arajet’s new route, is a popular tourist spot known for its beaches, luxury hotels, and resorts. The Punta Cana International Airport is located on the east coast of Hispaniola, about 125 miles from Santo Domingo.
Arajet currently flies to 26 destinations, mostly in the Caribbean and South America, including Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Jamaica. With the addition of Sanford Airport, the airline is expanding its reach in the U. S. , where it aims to establish a strong presence.
Sanford Airport has previously served as a hub for other low-cost airlines, such as Allegiant and Sun