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Getting to Know: Víctor M. Pacheco Méndez, ARAJET’S Founder and CEO
GETTING TO KNOW VÍCTOR M. PACHECO MÉNDEZ
ARAJET’S FOUNDER AND CEO
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BY PERLA BELLO-CROSBY
It is my pleasure to introduce our readers to entrepreneur Víctor M. Pacheco, founder and CEO of Arajet Airlines. I have known Víctor and his family for almost 35 years, from when I was an executive in his grandparents’ company. Víctor was born and raised in a family of influential entrepreneurs who led the way for tourism in the Dominican Republic (DR). The family business, Vimenca, is the exclusive Western Union agent and the first outside of the United States.
Víctor M. Pacheco Méndez
Tell us about your exciting plans for Sanford Sanford is an important destination for Arajet. We are working closely with Orlando Sanford International Airport authorities to add it to our destination choices. We will offer residents inexpensive travel options, new planes, and first-class service. Repeat travelers to the Dominican Republic will enjoy the convenience. Sanford, Central Florida, and the DR will all benefit from increased convenience and tourism.
Who inspired you? Víctor Méndez Capellán, my grandfather, introduced me to the world of finance, tourism, and entrepreneurship. More importantly, he taught me essential values for being successful, like humility, patience, prudence, and loyalty. It is now up to the current generation to follow the path he created to continue promoting those values.
He was the founder and pioneer of the tour-operator industry in the DR. He was the country’s first International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel agent. Vimenca Tours expanded tourism by bringing Canadian tourists to the Dominican market. Verónica Sención, Sanford lover and Dominican culture expert, who coordinated this interview, was our first vice president in charge of promoting Canadian tourism in the country. Ms. Sención says, “Víctor is not an improviser in the tourist industry. He comes from ‘the best travel and finance school.’”
— Víctor M. Pacheco
Dominican diaspora. In his lifetime, he saw many emigrate from his homeland, and now his grandson has started an airline to connect Dominicans with their native country at affordable prices.
Tell us about the birth of Arajet Arajet is the first low-fare airline in the Caribbean region and will commence operations in September 2022 from its base at Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo. The airline has a new fleet of Boeing 737-8 planes, providing safe and affordable travel to and from the DR. Since the beginning of its operations, Arajet's 22 current destinations include 12 countries in the Americas with direct flights to and from the Dominican Republic.
During Arajet’s March 2022 launch ceremony, we announced our strategic partnership with Bain Capital, a leading alternative investment firm, and Griffin Global Asset Management, a commercial aircraft leasing company. These partners support the Arajet team’s growth plans and mission.
How else is Arajet distinctive? First, our name is inspired by the Taíno Indians, the first inhabitants of Hispaniola, the Caribbean Island on which the DR is located. The Taino called the macaw “ara,” hence the name Arajet and the inclusion of the macaw in our logo.
The company has taken extraordinary measures to respect the planet. We have new environmentally friendly aircraft reflecting our commitment. Our fleet saves on fuel, maintenance costs, and operating costs. We can pass these savings on to our passengers while protecting the environment. Also, because the Arajet brand believes in sustainable tourism and in raising awareness, our aircraft are named after natural and ecological parks.
What can passengers expect when flying on Arajet? Passengers can be assured that Arajet is a safe, efficient airline with caring customer service. The DR is a leader in tourism because of its citizens and the services offered to our visitors, and Arajet will bring that same attention to our airline. We are confident that we will be one of the world’s best low-cost airlines.
What can the Sanford and Central Florida Dominican community expect from your airline? Because of our reasonable prices, customers can afford to travel several times a year. For those who cannot travel, their families and friends in the DR can afford to come to Central Florida.
Do you have any final thoughts? Stay tuned, because we will be incorporating new routes. We aspire to grow to 50 routes from the DR, with Sanford being one destination that we are optimistically pursuing. For more information about budget-friendly flights with extraordinary service, visit www.Arajet.com. n
