Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
First commercial passenger flight from Key West to Havana in over five decades made
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/12/31/first-flight-from-key-west-to-havana-in-over-five-decades-made/First commercial passenger flight from Key West to Havana in over five decades made
Published December 31, 2013
Associated Press
KEY WEST, Fla. – The first commercial passenger flight from Key West to Cuba in more than 50 years landed Monday in Havana, capping several years of efforts to reunite the two islands, though regular air service still appeared a distant prospect.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection gave the final approval for the flight Monday morning, and the nine-passenger aircraft departed 90 minutes later at 10 a.m., Key West International Airport director Peter Horton said.
"This is just a test run," Horton said. "Whether this is going to come and be a regular service I don't believe has been determined yet."
Federal officials granted Key West the green light to resume flights to and from the island country in October 2011. It took more than two years, however, for the first flight to take off. Charter operators said they had trouble getting all of the required approvals from U.S. and Cuban authorities. They have also struggled with capacity issues: Key West is currently only approved to process 10 passengers and crew from Cuba at a time.
snip//
The Obama administration reinstituted the cultural exchange licenses in 2011, allowing organizations to take U.S. citizens to the island for educational activities that promote understanding and exchange with ordinary Cubans.
snip//
"We're 90 miles away from Cuba," Cates said. "We're closer to Cuba than Miami. We haven't had flights over there in 50 years. It's going to be great for the city of Key West — cultural exchange, historic exchange, to be able to go back and forth directly from Key West."
23 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Just a bunch of hotels. :>
))
"Testing".. here's to it.. 
Remember this part of Pres O’s 2009 address?
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Vick C. @sonamie
Follow
“we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." '09 PBO •►a man of his word! So what’s the problem?
Vicky C http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/30/2013-vcs-most-memorable-moments/
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Vick C. @sonamie
Follow
“we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." '09 PBO •►a man of his word! So what’s the problem?
Vicky C http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/30/2013-vcs-most-memorable-moments/
Response to babylonsister (Original post)
Thanks!
