The last time an American carrier operated a scheduled commercial flight to Cuba, Mister Ed had only just premiered its first season on TV, women were sporting pill box hats and Ray Charles and Elvis Presley had number one hits on the Billboard Chart.
The Internet was a year away from first trials and political tension between the west and the Caribbean nation was at its peak.
The world is practically a different place since 1961 – when the US first imposed an embargo on flights to Cuba – so-much-so that JetBlue was able to make aviation history this week when it had the honour of operating the first commercial flight between the US and Cuba in over half a century.
Flight 387 touched down in Santa Clara overnight, ushering in a new era of aviation co-operation between the two countries.
But that’s not all. The A320 is also being recognised for being the first jetliner to fly from the US to Cuba because back in the 1960s US airlines only flew propeller-powered aircraft to the Caribbean island.
The special occasion was marked with a water canon salute and a celebration with Cuban officials in attendance at Abel Santamaría Airport.
JetBlue’s President and Chief Executive, Robin Hayes, said the carrier is “proud” to be the first US airline to serve Cuba in over 55 years.
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“For the first time in decades, families separated by only a short stretch of water can easily and affordably visit a loved one, attend an important occasion or visit a special place – and the role we play speaks directly to our mission of inspiring humanity.”
Robin Hayes, JetBlue President and Chief Executive
The deployment will eventually lead to around 110 flights operating every day between the US and Cuba by eight airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.
Services will connect Havana to American cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New York City, Orlando and Atlanta.