Justin Firestone, founding partner of Wheels Up, announced that the private aviation company now offers flights to and from Havana, Cuba on its signature fleet of Beechcraft King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS aircraft. In conjunction with this offering, Wheels Up has also launched an on-the-ground booking assistance program in Cuba for its 3,500+ members.
"We're excited to be part of history as among the first of the American private aviation companies to make flights available to and from Havana," said Firestone. "Wheels Up has arranged more than 150 flights between the U.S. and Cuba and are now averaging more than any other major U.S. private aviation provider."
"These flights are perfect for our King Air 350i, considered the workhorse of private aviation. Our fleet is well suited for this new endeavor," Firestone added.
Wheels Up has a fleet exclusive with Textron for the comfortable and cost-effective King Air 350i, building on its expertise in shorter missions, and giving Wheels Up the ability to reach more runways. All Wheels Up aircraft offer in-flight amenities like Wi-Fi and GOGO Talk & Text.
In 2015, the same year Wheels Up had its inaugural flight to Cuba, Wheels Up became a founding member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-Cuba Business Council and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Now, Wheels Up Members can fly to Cuba through any of the 18 Customs and Border Protection designated U.S. airports.
To obtain a visa to fly to Cuba, passengers must qualify for one of the 12 approved categories required to visit Cuba under the U.S. General License. To help Wheels Up Members secure the necessary visas, provide itineraries and obtain logistical coordination for U.S. residents traveling to Cuba, Wheels Up as a full-service organization has partnered with Engage Cuba Travel and Services, and Cuba Educational Travel.
