JETBLUE AIRWAYS-CUBA JetBlue becomes first U.S. carrier to launch New York-to-Havana flights

Record ID: 136021

  • Title: JETBLUE AIRWAYS-CUBA JetBlue becomes first U.S. carrier to launch New York-to-Havana flights
  • Date: 3rd July 2015
  • Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (FILE) (REUTERS) HAVANA BAY VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WALKING DOWN STREET WOMAN HANGING CLOTHES TO DRY ON BALCONY FIDEL CASTRO SIGN VARIOUS STREET SCENES
  • Embargoed: 18th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA1H9QCLFCYEMU3NPP2CH898TQ0
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: JetBlue Airways Corp began direct charter flights between New York and Havana on Friday (July 03), becoming the first major U.S. carrier to fly the route following U.S. President Barack Obama's decision in December to normalize relations with the Communist-ruled island.
    The airline said Cuba Travel Services Inc is offering the weekly flight on Fridays between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Havana's Jose Marti International Airport. It did not say how much the trip would cost.
    "This is something that we're gonna talk about for years," said Carlos Infante, as he waited to board his flight to Havana for the first time in fifty years.
    Infante said there are no words to describe how he feels, but added, "This is a grand opportunity also for American people to go to Cuba."
    JetBlue now operates five weekly round trips to Cuba, including flights from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood with various charter partners, the company said in a statement.
    Since the Obama administration issued new regulations that eased some restrictions on trade with Cuba, including permitting more travel by Americans to the island, U.S. airlines such as United Airlines Inc and Delta Air Lines have also said they would look into adding service.
    Other charter airlines already operate limited service to the Caribbean island.
    American citizens are still not allowed to visit Cuba as tourists, but they can visit the island for one of 12 reasons, such as visiting family or participating in academic, professional, religious or educational programs.
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