United is the only airline to request six additional flights to serve HAV from a non-East Coast city
United Airlines (UAL) recently submitted its formal application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to provide daily service from Houston to Havana's José Martí International Airport. United’s proposal, subject to government approval, will expand its current Saturday only to daily service.
Launched in December 2016, United’s successful Saturday only service between Houston and Havana reflects the airline’s optimism about future growth potential and will continue to provide customers with greater choice and convenience when traveling from Houston and the 44 cities that conveniently connect at its Houston hub. The additional six flights requested by United are less than 30 percent of available Havana flights and are the only ones requested for service to Havana from a U.S. city not situated on the East Coast.
Uniquely positioned to build on the rapidly changing regulatory and economic environment between the U.S. and Havana, Houston is a large exporter of raw materials that are in high demand in Cuba, including building materials, drainage and water supply systems, and parts and services related to the oil and gas industry. The Port of Houston exports grains, soybeans, corn, and chicken to Cuba, and Houston’s central U.S. location makes the city a prime location for further trade development. In August, the National Port Administration of Cuba and the Port of Houston signed a memorandum of friendship and trade cooperation aimed at facilitating and promoting trade, creating new business and fostering a closer bilateral relationship.
“There are a number of synergies between Cuba and Houston when it comes to energy, medicine, education, the arts – even in sports,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “United’s daily air service from Houston to Havana will greatly increase opportunities to connect family and friends while significantly increasing potential for trade and investment between Houston and Cuba.”
If approved, United will operate service between Houston and Havana with either Boeing 737-800 mainline aircraft or Embraer E175 regional aircraft operated by Mesa Airlines as United Express. United’s Embraer E175 two cabin regional jet offers 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom United Economy Plus seats.