Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines today celebrated the delivery of a new A321neo aircraft whose tail features Domingo and Andrea, the Hispaniolan parakeets, in honor of destination partner the Dominican Republic. Frontier serves six cities from Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo and nine cities from Punta Cana International Airport.
All Frontier plane tails feature a unique animal with a special name and back story, many of them from endangered, threatened and vulnerable species. The Hispaniolan parakeet, also known as the perico or periquito, is a medium-size parakeet that is endemic to the island of Hispaniola, home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It inhabits a wide range of landscapes including lowland and montane forest, savanna, open woodlands, and urban centers. The birds are considered a vulnerable species as a result of massive population decreases over the years caused by habitat loss and exploitation within the pet trade.
The two pericos featured on Frontier’s new aircraft are named Domingo and Andrea. Domingo is a nod to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, while Andrea honors Andrea Thomen, a principal scientist who is spearheading a project that will help defend the parakeet and its habitats.
The Dominican Republic is a highly valued destination partner for Frontier with the airline operating service from Santo Domingo to San Juan, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa and Miami as well as service from Punta Cana to San Juan, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cleveland, St. Louis, Chicago and Tampa.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new aircraft that honors the treasured pericos of Hispaniola and our very important destination partner the Dominican Republic,” said Tyri Squyres, vice president of marketing, Frontier Airlines. “Our mission is to bring attention to threatened animal species throughout North America and we take pride in shining a light on these beloved, colorful parakeets that bring such joy to the people of the Dominican Republic.”
Fernando J. Abreu, Director of Airline Relations of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, said, “The choice to celebrate our endemic Hispaniolan parakeets, locally known as the pericos or periquitos, by naming a plane ‘Domingo and Andrea the Hispaniolan Parakeets,’ reflects a deep understanding of the unique natural treasures the Dominican Republic holds. We extend our sincere gratitude to Frontier Airlines for recognizing the allure of our natural wonders and their impact on tourism. Our destination welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the beauty of our land, engage in bird watching, and contribute to the conservation efforts that make the Dominican Republic truly extraordinary.”
