Though the embargo remains in place, relations between the US and Cuba are gradually improving, it seems. FedEx has become the first cargo carrier to be given the authorisation to operate cargo services to the region, while eight other airlines have been granted rights to fly passenger routes between the US and Cuba, too.
According to reports, FedEx plans to begin service on January 15, 2017, and has been given the go-ahead to operate the route through July 15, 2018. Having originally applied to operate a Miami-Havana-Mérida-Miami service, using 757-200Fs, last month, the carrier amended its application, instead requesting to run the current, shorter route.
For this service, FedEx will fly into the second busiest airport in Cuba, Juan Gualberto Gómez airport in Matanzas, which handled 1.28m passengers in 2009. Currently somewhat underdeveloped, the airport does not handle significant volumes of cargo at present, but with the promise of the growing travel and tourism trade in South America, alongside the introduction of a major express carrier flying into Matanzas, volumes may well begin to increase.
