The diplomatic advance would help open the way for USA airlines to begin flying to Cuba within months in what would likely be the biggest step toward tighter economic ties since the two countries began normalizing relations past year.
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The commercial airline deal is one of several agreements that have been made in the past year, including reopening embassies, and resuming direct mail service. “Having normal relations makes it easier for us to talk, and talk can deepen understanding even when we know full well we will not see eye to eye on everything”.
The decision to restore ties, made by U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro a year ago, in part reflected Washington’s judgement that its policy of isolating Havana politically, economically and diplomatically had failed. These include the billions of dollars in competing property claims, the status of fugitives in both countries, and Cuban protection of human rights.
“This is the year for laying down the foundation blocks”, said Pedro Freyre, Chair of International Practice at the Miami-based Akerman law firm, which has been working with large USA corporations interested in doing business with Cuba.
Airlines will have to apply for permission from US regulators to fly specific routes between the countries, and the timeline for this was not immediately clear. That incorporates 20 flights a day between the US furthermore, Cuba’s capital city of Havana, and 10 a day between the USA also, nine universal airplane terminals spread over the island.
Until then, air service between the two countries will continue via the existing system of charter flights.
And Southwest released a statement after the commercial flights became official, saying that the airline is excited about the possibility of providing low-fare, high-quality service to Cuba. A widespread fear in Cuba that “normal” relations will prompt the United States to soon drop the special immigration status for Cubans reaching the USA has led almost 50,000 island residents to leave for the U.S. this year.
From the United States point of view, trade restrictions place U.S. firms at a competitive disadvantage and cost the USA economy an estimated $2 billion a year in exports, U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday.
While US officials still oppose Cuba’s lack of political rights, Obama concluded these goals could be better served through engagement. “We were not allowed to go back at all”, said a passenger.
There is also evidence that the normalization of bilateral relations has prompted a surge in Cubans migrating to the US.
In the US, banks afraid of running afoul of the embargo have been blocking legal Cuba-related transactions at rates equal to or higher than before Obama’s announcement.
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USA baseball officials say they want to negotiate with Cuba, so players don’t have to defect. With the changes first announced previous year, the Obama administration authorized travelers to purchase up to $400 in Cuban goods legally, including up to $100 of cigars and alcohol.
