Third provider given green light for Tampa-Havana flights

Third provider given green light for Tampa-Havana flights
By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune
Published: August 04, 2011
TAMPA --

Cuban officials today approved a third provider for charter flights
between Tampa International Airport and Havana, Cuba.

Island Travel & Tours LTD, which will locate its main offices in Tampa,
will compete with two Miami-based operators in providing flights to the
island nation.

The carrier service provider that operates travel and other services
from San Diego was awarded Cuban charter landing rights from
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on July 27,
company president Bill Hauf said.

"We were the first company to request Tampa International Airport to be
approved to operate direct flights between Tampa International Airport
and Cuba," said Hauf, who approached Tampa International officials and
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor in 2008.

"In addition to Cuban-Americans with relatives in Cuba, we will be
directing our efforts towards all those groups legally entitled to
travel to Cuba, including educational, cultural entities."

ABC Charters and Xael Charters, both of Miami, also have rights to
provide Tampa-Cuba flights.

Tampa International is one of nine U.S. airports Cuban officials have
granted landing rights.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/business/2011/aug/04/third-provider-given-green-light-for-tampa-havana--ar-248426/