US carriers indicate interest in new Cuba services

Most major US airlines have indicated their interest in applying to start flying to Cuba.

Enthusiasm from carriers comes after an aviation agreement between the two countries was signed on Tuesday.

The deal means 110 daily flights will be allowed, including 20 to the capital Havana and 10 to each of Cuba’s other nine international airports.

Signing of the agreement has opened a 15-day window for US airlines to request the right to the new routes before they can then close deals with Cuban aviation authorities.

Among the airlines said be interested are American, Jetblue, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Budget airline Southwest indicated it was interested in engaging in the process, while ‘ultra lowcost’ US carrier Spirit Airlines confirmed its interest and Alaskan Airlines said it was evaluating the opportunity.

Services, once approved, are expected to start this autumn.