On a day when American Airlines announced it would begin charter service between Los Angeles and Cuba – its first foray into Havana from the west coast – the Obama Administration is quietly pushing for more.
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In a bid to cement US President Barack Obama’s foreign policy shift towards Cuba, the US government is working with the Cuban authorities to reach an agreement that would allow US citizens to fly on scheduled commercial flights between the two countries, the “Wall Street Journal” (WSJ) reported on Tuesday, citing US officials. In addition to the L.A. service, American says it also plans to add a Saturday flight between Miami and Havana, also to be sold by Cuba Travel Services.
Under current law, Americans may only visit Cuba for business trips, family visits or so-called people-to-people cultural exchanges. Now, travelers only have to certify they are visiting in one of 12 categories – educational, religious and humanitarian projects, among others – while tourism remains prohibited. But the steps face strong opposition from the Republican leadership in control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Partnering with tour operator Cuba Travel Services, based in Cypress, the airline will offer Saturday flights on Boeing 737s out of Los Angeles global Airport beginning in December.
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U.S. senators Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.) and Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.) both support renewed relations with Cuba and have introduced a bill to lift the travel ban.
