Santo Domingo.– Everything is getting ready for the new airline Air Dominicana to begin operations in May with flights to the United States, Mexico and South America, to later expand to other destinations, in what government officials and business leaders say it’s vital for the growth of tourism.

The first airplane, a Boeing 737 with a capacity of 180 passengers, is in the middle of a checking process in Europe before a series of test flights from April 24 – 30.

The second airplane is supposed to arrive in the Dominican Republic in May. Air Dominicana will contribute to remarkably diversify the tourism offer and to increase the number of visitors.

According to some sources, foreign investors own 47 percent of the new carrier’s shares, the State has 30 percent, and local investors 23 percent.