Dominican Republic showcases first locally built Van’s RV-8 aircraft at AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Oshkosh, Wisconsin.- The Dominican Republic strengthened its presence at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the world’s largest aviation event, by promoting the country as a destination for general aviation and unveiling the first Van’s RV-8 experimental aircraft assembled in the country.

Held from July 20 to 26 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the air show featured a Dominican pavilion organized by the Airport Department (DA) and the Ministry of Tourism, where officials promoted the country’s airports, aviation-friendly policies, and the Protocol for Non-Commercial Private Aviation, designed to facilitate travel for private pilots.

A major highlight of the event was the exhibition of the first Van’s RV-8 built and certified in the Dominican Republic. The aircraft, developed by Dominican aviators Carlos Sanlley, Alejandro Marranzini, and Andrés Sánchez, also became only the second Dominican experimental aircraft to complete an international flight from the Caribbean nation to Oshkosh.

According to Sanlley, the project took five years to complete, from the initial concept to its maiden flight, demonstrating the growing capabilities of the Dominican Republic’s emerging aircraft assembly industry.

During the event, the Dominican delegation also honored the late aviator Franklin Polanco, recognized as a pioneer of modern aviation in the country for his contributions to the sector.

AirVenture Oshkosh, considered the world’s premier aviation gathering, attracted pilots, manufacturers, aviation enthusiasts, and industry leaders from around the globe for a week of aircraft exhibitions, aerobatic performances, educational programs, and aviation technology displays.