US-Cuba commercial flight takes off after 50 yrs

Fort Lauderdale (US), Aug 31 

Cuba and the US took the latest step in their efforts to boost ties today when the first regular commercial flight from America to the communist-ruled island in more than 50 years took off.

JetBlue Flight 386 left Fort Lauderdale in southeastern Florida with 150 passengers on board. After less than an hour in the air, it landed in central Cuba's Santa Clara, 280 km east of Havana.

The flight is the first of dozens of daily trips connecting US cities to nine Cuban airports. Regular air service was severed during the Cold War, and charter flights have been the only air links since.

“It’s a new day for Cuba travellers and one we have thoughtfully prepared for. We are proud to usher in a new era of Cuba travel with affordable fares and great service,” JetBlue's executive vice-president Marty St George said. — AFP