Travel : Sunrise Airways wants to open a direct route between Haiti and Newark (NJ)

Sunrise Airways, a privately owned Haitian airline, is taking significant strides to expand its international reach by proposing a wet lease agreement for a direct flight route between Haiti and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the United States. This innovative approach involves leasing an aircraft and its crew from a third-party operator, along with outsourcing insurance, maintenance, and other operational aspects. This strategy allows Sunrise Airways to expedite the launch of the Newark route without the need to invest in owning or leasing entire aircraft and staffing. The proposal is under close scrutiny by aviation regulators and industry experts, as its success could mark a pivotal moment in Haiti’s efforts to rebuild its tourism sector and enhance its global appeal. To proceed, Sunrise Airways must secure approval from U.S. aviation authorities, who will evaluate compliance with safety, security, and bilateral agreements. This process includes rigorous reviews of maintenance records, crew credentials, insurance, and liability provisions, as well as adherence to U.S. aviation standards. Regulators will also ensure that the wet lease agreement does not compromise safety or oversight, potentially requiring additional safeguards such as joint oversight or insurance guarantees. If approved, the direct Haiti-Newark route would have far-reaching implications, opening new tourism opportunities, improving travel conditions for Americans, and facilitating access to the U.S. for Haitians and the large Haitian diaspora. The route would also strengthen ties between Haiti and its largest trading partner, the United States, while serving as a vital transportation link for the Haitian diaspora in New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Newark Liberty International Airport, a major hub in the Northeast, would provide convenient access for travelers, further enhancing the route’s potential impact.