ARAJET’S HISTORIC ARRIVAL: VICTOR M. PACHECO EXPANDS THE SKIES OVER ORLANDO SANFORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

BY PERLA BELLO-CROSBY

When Arajet’s inaugural flight from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, landed on October 26 at Orlando Sanford International Airport, it marked the airline’s debut, and the return of international service in a new era, to the Sanford area, opening a nonstop bridge between Central Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

For Founder and CEO Victor M. Pacheco, the Sanford launch represents both national pride and strategic growth. “This is extremely important because Orlando is one of the main tourist cities in the United States, and Punta Cana is the same in the Caribbean, so we anticipate extraordinary traffic,” said Pacheco.

Founder and CEO Victor M. Pacheco | Fundador y Director Ejecutivo Víctor M. Pacheco

A Connection Built

In just three years, Arajet has grown from an ambitious start-up into the third-largest airline in passenger traffic in the Dominican Republic. “We have become a leading airline recognized for the high quality of our service,” Pacheco noted. “We won the award for Best New Airline in the World in 2023, and this year we will fly more than 1.5 million passengers.”

As the flag carrier and largest airline of the Dominican Republic, Arajet operates low-cost flights throughout North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The new route directly links Sanford with Punta Cana, a resort town on the country’s eastern tip known for its world-class resorts. The airline continues to expand its international footprint.

Pacheco’s next goal is to consolidate the U.S. market and position the Dominican Republic as “the new air hub of the Americas.”

Beyond logistics, Arajet’s purpose runs deep. The significant diaspora—people from the DR and other Latin American countries who now live in Central Florida—will now be able to maintain close ties to their homelands more easily. “It’s the reason our airline exists,” Pacheco explained. “I wanted to create an airline that makes it easier for people to feel closer to their homelands.”

With more than 70,000 Dominicans living in the Orlando area, the airline expects strong local demand. It also sees opportunity among U.S. tourists seeking affordable Caribbean destinations. “Florida is the second U.S. state, after New York, that contributes the most tourists to the Dominican Republic,” Pacheco added. “With this route, we want to strengthen tourism to the area and work with Sanford Airport to make it a popular option for all travelers.”

A Warm Welcome

At every level, Arajet’s identity is rooted in its service culture, where professionalism meets Dominican hospitality. “Our most important and differentiator is the warmth of our service,” Pacheco said. “From the moment you arrive at the Arajet counter to the merengue or bachata music you hear onboard, our crew personally welcomes each passenger.”

Arajet currently plans three weekly flights between Punta Cana and Orlando Sanford, with the goal of daily service as the route grows. “Next year, we’ll receive six new aircraft, which will enable us to increase frequencies.”

That ambition has not gone unnoticed. At Sanford’s Annual Gala Awards ceremony, Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff presented Arajet with the Industry of the Year 2025 award. The city also issued an official proclamation celebrating the airline’s arrival. “It was a surprise when we received the news, but we accepted it with great humility and gratitude,” Pacheco said. “It was also a sign that this route will be historic for the people of Sanford and Orlando.”

Introducing global service to a facility that already handles more than three million domestic passengers each year was only possible through partnership. “The Orlando Sanford airport has treated Arajet exceptionally well, so we are extremely excited to make history together.”

A Dream Taking Flight

For Pacheco, connecting Sanford to the Caribbean fulfills a lifelong vision. “It is another piece of the dream of making my country a key player in aviation across the continent,” he reflected. “When we decided to fly to Sanford, I was surprised we would be the only international airline operating there. That is both a challenge and a privilege.”

With its recent October launch, Arajet brings much more than low fares: it has brought a sense of home for thousands of people and new tourism opportunities for Central Florida.