Dominica: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed the inaugural flight of the United Airlines at Douglas Charles Airport. Sharing the glimpses from the ceremony, he said that Saturday, Feb 15, 2025, marks a remarkable day for Dominica as it welcomed the inaugural non-stop flight of United Airlines from Newark New Jersey, leading to a major tourism boost. 

PM Skerrit noted that it is a momentous occasion that United Airlines touched down at Douglas Charles Airport for the first time and making the Nature Island even more accessible to the world. 

While sharing the snippets from the welcome ceremony Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit marked that, ‘Big things are coming ahead for tourism, business and connectivity’.  

PM Skerrit expressed his gratitude for the confidence that United Airlines has placed in Dominica.  

He said that the administration is grateful for the confidence which United Airlines has placed in Dominica and there is no doubt that it is a source of encouragement for them to do even more as they seek to achieve development goals and aspirations.  

Dominican Leader further added that this is the day, which all of us in Dominica should celebrate.  

Prime Minister of Dominica further indicated that the God should be thanked for every positive thing happens in the country and should be prayed as it multiplies and brings greater benefits to the citizens. 

PM Skerrit reminded the citizens that development is a journey and at every point in time one may confront challenges. He stated that today is indeed a moment of celebration, an opportunity for them to create more jobs in the economy, the opportunity for them to have more foreign exchanges coming into the country and for them to be able to take care of themselves as a country. 

Dominica’s PM stuck to his commitment to work with United Airlines closely as was done in the negotiation to ensure that the flight is successful, and it can grow from leaps to bounds. He noted that they have no doubt that the Lord will bless them with the completion of the International Airport. 

He further encouraged the people of Dominica to stay positive and to recognize that the country is on the right track and is going places for the benefit of the citizens and residents. 

Dominica is unlocking new tourism possibilities: Denise Charles-Pemberton  

Tourism Minister – Denise Charles-Pemberton also addressed the special ceremony that was held at the Dominica Airport and said that this is a significant milestone that will enhance air access to the country. 

Minister Charles stated that with the launch of the historic United Airlines flight from New Jersey to Dominica the opportunity has grown even bigger for every citizen. According to her the flight is not just about adding another route, it is about bringing transformation, about breaking barriers, opening doors and unlocking new possibilities for tourism, business and personal travel. 

The Tourism Minister of Dominica believes that with this new direct flight from Newark, New Jersey, Dominica is more connected to the world than ever before. 

Pilot calls it a special moment 

United Airlines’ inaugural flight from New Jersey was also a special occasion for Dominican-born pilot Peter Codrington who had the honour of piloting the historic flight. Codrington expressed with excitement that it is a sense of pride and a sense of joy, piloting the first non-stop UA flight to Dominica. He described the special moment as ‘Big’ for the country, for himself and for the airline.