American Airlines adds cargo service to Cuba

FORT WORTH, TX –  American Airlines has become the first U.S. passenger airline to begin offering cargo service to Cuba with multiple daily flights from Miami to Havana’s José Martí International Airport.

“As the leading U.S. carrier to Cuba we are excited to launch cargo service to the island,” said David Vance, American’s vice president of cargo operations. “Our teams on the ground in the U.S. and in Cuba have worked hard to make this a reality. This new service will benefit families in both countries.”

American operates a total of nine flights a day to Cuba, four flights a day from Miami International Airport, and a daily flight from Charlotte, North Carolina. They have additional services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Varadero and Camagüey.

Although the airline has been operating charter flights to the country since 1991, and scheduled services since 2016, AA Cargo vice president Roger Samways admits forecasting demand for freight and mail has been a bit of a learning curve.

“We’re in a very good spot when demand opens up,” he said. “It’s a fascinating place.”