Though airlines are expected to begin scheduled flights between Cuba and the USA later this year, the island nation’s aviation and tourism industries will likely not fully develop for many years, says Peter Cerda, regional vice-president of the International Air Transport Association.
Speaking at the Routes Americas conference in San Juan on 17 February, Cerda says Cuba lacks infrastructure – including roads and hotels – needed to accommodate a vast influx of travelers.
Building those hotels and roads will take at least two-to-four years, he says.
“It’s going to be gradual,” says Cerda. “You don’t have the infrastructure in place. That will take time.”
Relations between Cuba and the USA had been tense for more than 50 years, and the countries – which are just 90 miles apart – have not had significant economic ties since the US trade embargo took effect in 1960.
But relations are now easing, with the countries on 16 February signing an agreement to reopen up to 110 daily scheduled frequencies to 10 Cuban cities.
“It’s a good number, but nothing that creates over-capacity,” says Cerda.
In addition, the US has eased travel restrictions to Cuba, permitting US citizens to travel there for several purposes, including meeting relatives and learning about the culture.
Dave Clark, vice-president of network planning for JetBlue, notes that “sitting on a beach” is not one of the allowable reasons for US citizens to travel to Cuba.
“It’s not necessarily going to take trip away from other Caribbean destinations,” Clark says.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
