Tampa-Cuba flights OK for a third service
BY TED JACKOVICS
The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA -- Cuban officials Thursday approved a third provider for charter flights between Tampa International Airport and Havana, Cuba.
Island Travel & Tours LTD, which will locate its main offices in Tampa, will compete with two Miami-based operators in providing flights to the island nation.
The carrier service provider that operates travel and other services from San Diego was awarded Cuban charter landing rights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on July 27, company president Bill Hauf said.
"We were the first company to request Tampa International Airport to be approved to operate direct flights between Tampa International Airport and Cuba," said Hauf, who approached Tampa airport officials and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor in 2008.
"In addition to Cuban-Americans with relatives in Cuba, we will be directing our efforts toward all those groups legally entitled to travel to Cuba, including educational, cultural entities."
ABC Charters and Xael Charters, both of Miami, also have rights to provide Tampa-Cuba flights.
The Tampa airport is one of nine U.S. airports Cuban officials have granted landing rights.
(813) 259-7817
Copyright © 2011, The Tampa Tribune and may not be republished without permission. E-mail [email protected]