U.S., Cuba Sign Accord For Commercial Flights

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) --  U.S. and Cuban transportation officials finalized an agreement to re-establish commercial air travel between both countries.

On Tuesday, transportation officials from both sides met in Havana, Cuba and signed an arrangement that re-establishes commercial air services.  Up until now, only charter flights were allowed - meaning this is the first time in more than 50 years that this has happened.

"We are excited to announce the availability of new scheduled air service opportunities to Cuba for U.S. carriers, shippers, and the traveling public, and we will conduct this proceeding in a manner designed to maximize public benefits," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Following the signing, the U.S. Department of Transportation invited U.S. carriers to apply to be part of the scheduled flights.

As part of the arrangement, there will be up to 20 daily round-trip flights to and from Havana. Each country will also be able to operate up to 10 daily round-trip flights between the U.S. and each of Cuba's nine other international airports.

Transportation officials will select which U.S. carriers will be able to offer scheduled flight to and from Cuba.  They said they will be considering which proposals offer the best services to the public. As for a time frame for their decision, they said they intend to make a decision as fast as possible.

The arrangement does not limit charter services.

While U.S. law does not allow travel to Cuba for touristic reasons, the Department of Transportation says the arrangement will make it easier for those who are authorized to travel. Officials said it would also strengthen people to people links between both countries.

Scheduled commercial flights are expected to start sometime later this year.

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