Delta to file for non-stop service to Cuba

Delta Air Lines will file with the U.S. government to operate non-stop service to Cuba, the airline said. The application follows Tuesday’s signature of a historic agreement allowing North American airlines to fly scheduled commercial flights to Havana and nine other Cuban cities.

“Filing for service to Havana is an important moment in aviation history for Delta and between the U.S. and Cuba,” said Nicolas Ferri, Delta’s Vice President – Latin America and the Caribbean. “We look forward to providing access to the island from the U.S. and around the world; this market will increase the strength of our network in the Caribbean.”

“The U.S. Transportation Department is expected to notify applying airlines by summer which frequencies and routes are approved,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Vice President – Network Planning. “In the meantime Delta is diligently preparing to serve the market.”

Service to Cuba is expected to resume this year allowing North American air carriers that apply for frequencies to offer a total of 20 round-trip daily flights between the U.S. and Havana and 10 daily round-trip flights to nine other Cuban cities with international airports.

Last summer, Delta operated a charter flight that brought the Minnesota Orchestra back to Cuba 85 years after having played in Havana for the first time.