Sunrise Airways receives approval to operate new flights between Haiti and Cuba

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI – Sunrise Airways is bringing Haiti and Cuba closer together. The new Haitian airline announced that it has received approval from Haiti’s Civil Aviation Authority and the Instituto de Aeronautica Civil de Cuba (IACC) to operate new regular charter flights between its home base in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Holguin, a resort city in southeastern Cuba, beginning in fall 2013 for the IATA winter season. This marks the second international route for Sunrise Airways, following closely on the heels of its new service between Cap Haitien and Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, which launched August 26, 2013.

“This initial entree into the Cuba market is another important step forward in our development plans, though it is just the beginning,” said Philippe Bayard, President of Sunrise Airways. “Moving forward, we hope to expand to other areas throughout Cuba, establishing even greater air travel options for both leisure and business travelers in the months to come. This is an ideal opportunity to open up the market in both directions by providing access to the growing market among Haitians for vacations in Cuba, and also by providing short getaways for those living or vacationing in Cuba to experience the depth of culture that Haiti has to offer.”

Sunrise Airways’ new service between Port-au-Prince and Holguin will operate twice-weekly on an air/hotel charter basis at the onset, with packages available for purchase via Sirep Tours in Haiti and Cubatur in Cuba.

“As the market matures, we hope to transition to regularly scheduled passenger service,” said Bayard.

An official launch date, as well as schedule and pricing information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sunrise Airways will deploy 19-seat Jetstream 32 EP aircraft on its new Port-au-Prince- Holguin service, providing ample head- and leg-room, plus the added comfort of refurbished cabins and fresh upholstered seating.