标签： Haiti

Sunrise Airways, a privately owned Haitian airline, is set to bolster its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A320 aircraft. This expansion comes as part of a comprehensive leasing agreement with GlobalX, which includes not only the aircraft but also crew, maintenance, and insurance services. The new A320s, each configured with 179 seats, will commence operations in November 2025, increasing the airline’s total fleet size to 14 aircraft. Gary Stone, CEO of Sunrise Airways, emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating, ‘These two Airbus A320s will be exclusively dedicated to our operations, significantly enhancing passenger experience and connectivity across the Caribbean region.’ Initially, the aircraft will be deployed to strengthen existing routes, particularly between Florida and Cap-Haitien. However, the airline has ambitious plans to utilize these A320s for expanding its network to new destinations, including Fort Lauderdale, New York, and other key markets in the Americas. Sunrise Airways currently operates under three separate Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Eastern Caribbean. By the end of 2025, the airline aims to operate a total of 18 aircraft across its network, further solidifying its presence in the region.

On October 13, 2025, during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) engaged in high-level discussions with IMF officials to highlight Haiti’s economic advancements and future collaboration prospects. The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., featured Ronald Gabriel, Governor of the BRH, and Alfred Métellus, Haiti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, alongside key IMF representatives including Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director; André Roncaglia, Executive Director for Haiti; and Camillo Tovar, Mission Chief. The discussions centered on the second review of the Staff Monitored Program (SMP) and explored avenues for continued support in Haiti’s economic and institutional reforms. Governor Gabriel outlined Haiti’s significant achievements, such as maintaining zero monetary financing to ensure fiscal discipline, enhancing the prudential framework with anti-money laundering measures, stabilizing the exchange rate, advancing financial inclusion strategies, and bolstering foreign exchange reserves. These efforts underscored Haiti’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and institutional strengthening. The meeting reinforced the collaborative spirit between Haiti and the IMF, paving the way for sustained reforms and economic recovery.

The Haitian Council of Ministers has officially approved the 2025-2026 national budget, totaling 345 billion gourdes, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous fiscal year. This budget is strategically designed to address critical priorities such as public security, electoral organization, and macroeconomic stabilization, as outlined by the Transitional Government. The budget aims to restore confidence, consolidate progress, and lay the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable growth. Key areas of focus include the restoration of public security, the organization of general elections, economic recovery, and the modernization of tax administration. The budget also emphasizes a territorialized approach to public spending, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in resource allocation. Macroeconomic projections indicate a modest real GDP growth rate of 0.3%, with an end-of-period inflation rate of 23.4%. The budget will be primarily financed through domestic resources, including tax and customs revenues, which account for 70.5% of the total funding. Capital expenditures, representing 38.2% of the budget, will focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, regional recovery, and social protection systems. Specific initiatives include the rehabilitation of police stations, the strengthening of the Haitian National Police and Army, and the introduction of reliable technologies to ensure transparent elections. Additionally, the budget allocates resources for food security, healthcare, education, and gender-based violence prevention, aiming to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

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.