[MIAMIHERALD] The United States and Cuba signed a civil aviation agreement Tuesday morning, paving the way for scheduled airline service between the two countries for the first time in more than 50 years.The agreement, which was signed at the Hotel Nacional in Havana, set the clock ticking for U.S. airlines to apply for route authorities and flight frequencies to the island. The pact allows up to 20 daily flights to Havana and up 10 flights daily to nine other Cuban destinations with international airlines.
Although U.S. airlines have been formulating plans since December when U.S. and Cuban negotiators reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding, they now have 15 days to submit their applications to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The arrangement covers both passenger and cargo airlines.
"In making its selection, the Department will consider which proposals will offer and maintain the best service to the traveling and shipping public," DOT said in a statement.
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Terms of the agreement allow for regular flights "between any city in the US and any city in Cuba," provided it is equipped with proper infrastructure for international flights, he added.
Besides Havana, flights will be allowed to Camaguey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguin, Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.
Although the understanding formally opens the door for Cubana airlines to operate future flights into the United States, none are allowed to arrive at present.