Oshkosh, Wisconsin – The Dominican Republic is stepping onto the global general aviation stage in a big way at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the world’s most prestigious and largest annual aviation gathering. The Caribbean nation is using the high-profile event to position itself as a top-tier destination for general aviation travel and operations, while showcasing a major milestone in its domestic aviation industry: the first locally assembled Van’s RV-8 experimental aircraft.
Running from July 20 through 26 at its traditional Wisconsin venue, the 2026 AirVenture features a dedicated national pavilion organized jointly by the Dominican Republic’s Airport Department (DA) and Ministry of Tourism. At the booth, delegation representatives have been highlighting the country’s expanding network of airports, investor- and pilot-friendly aviation regulations, and the newly implemented Protocol for Non-Commercial Private Aviation, a framework crafted specifically to streamline entry and transit for private and general aviation pilots visiting the country.
The undisputed centerpiece of the Dominican Republic’s showcase is the debut of the first Van’s RV-8 ever fully built and certified within the country’s borders. Crafted by a team of Dominican aviators – Carlos Sanlley, Alejandro Marranzini, and Andrés Sánchez – the aircraft made history even before arriving at AirVenture: it completed an international cross-border flight from the Dominican Republic to Oshkosh, marking only the second time a Dominican-built experimental aircraft has completed such a journey.
In comments on the project, Sanlley shared that the team invested five years of work from the early conceptual planning stage to the aircraft’s successful maiden flight. He noted that the completed plane stands as tangible proof of the expanding technical and industrial capabilities of the Dominican Republic’s fast-growing domestic aircraft assembly sector, which has emerged as a new area of economic opportunity for the country.
Beyond promoting the country’s aviation sector and unveiling the new aircraft, the Dominican delegation also took time during the event to honor the legacy of Franklin Polanco, a late Dominican aviator widely celebrated as a founding pioneer of modern aviation in the country for his decades of contributions to the industry’s growth.
As the world’s leading gathering for aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike, this year’s AirVenture Oshkosh is drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe, including active pilots, aircraft manufacturers, industry stakeholders, and casual fans. The week-long event features a packed schedule of static aircraft displays, high-flying aerobatic performances, professional development and educational workshops, and showcases of the latest cutting-edge aviation technology.