Tampa International Airport made a bit of history today when the first flight from Tampa to Havana departed from the airport for the first time in over fifty years.
Earlier this afternoon, a 727 Boeing jet charted by Xael Charters and their partner Sky King Inc. left from Tampa to Havana in a historic flight connecting these two notable cities.
Nearly 100 passengers boarded this legendary flight departing from Gate F at Tampa International Airport.
This is no one-shot deal either. Tampa's been granted flight access to Cuba, alongside a number of other notable U.S. cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. While 12 other airports have been granted rights, Tampa will be the first to start regularly scheduled flights to Havana.
The next one is slated for this Saturday, September 10 with a flight from ABC Charters and American Airlines. There's economic incentive for both these cities, too. One new international flight path like this can translate to an approximate $150 million of economic impact for the airports and respective regional economics. Not to mention, bring in 1,200 jobs as well as opportunity for a ton of business development.
Pretty cool, huh?
