Russia will resume regular air service with the island of Cuba as of July 1, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernishenko said.
He added, “Cuba is a key partner of Russia in Central America, so it is logical for Moscow to develop economic relations with the island on all fronts.”
“By order of the president, as of July 1, regular flights with Cuba are resumed. The corresponding directive was sent to Aeroflot,” Chernishenko told the press.
The vice president of the Russian Tourism Industry Union, Dmitry Gorin, stressed that the appearance of regular flights would make it possible to “stabilize the cost of air tickets”.
“The availability of such regular flights is also important for Cuban citizens who previously actively used such transport on trips to Russia; it is necessary for students studying in Russia, as well as for business contacts,” he added.
Gorin pointed out that there are only tourist charter flights between the two countries: from Moscow to Varadero and Cayo Coco.
As noted by tour operator Intourist, thanks to direct flights, it will also be possible to develop package tour programs, including excursions and relaxation at sea.
Chernishenko revealed that the current scenario would make it possible to expand investments and continue developing trade with Cuba, which tripled in recent months.
The official also announced that governmental agreements were confirmed for the credit sphere, supplies of wheat, oil, and its derivatives, as well as work on the format of operation of Russian banks in Cuba, highlighting the beginning of the use of cards of the Russian payment system Mir.
With information from Sputnik
News Cuba, English news Cuba, Cuban tourism, Russian Aeroflot