US Blockade Affects Cuban Civil Aviation

US Blockade Affects Cuban Civil Aviation Havana, Oct 19. – Like many Cuban sectors, civil aviation has suffered millions in losses due to the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade.

From May 1, 2009 to April 23, 2010, the siege caused an estimated $265,830,210 in damages to the industry.

The U.S. world monopoly on the manufacture of commercial aircraft components, among others, has impeded Cuban airlines from purchasing airplanes, equipment and spare parts, not only in the United States but also from other aviation industries.

The Caribbean island also has to resort to less efficient aircraft leasing and adverse conditions, according to the island's most recent report to the UN General Assembly on the need to end the blockade.

Charter flights have systematically operated to and from Cuba, while a number of U.S. airlines, such as Miami Air, American Eagle, Gulf Stream, Sky King and others have covered routes from Miami, Los Angeles and New York to several of the island's airports.

However, the U.S. government does not authorize the island's airlines operate in its territory.

Meanwhile, hundreds of U.S. airlines daily cross Cuba's airspace in their routes to Central and South America.

The report also states that the blockade causes excessive costs for Cuban civil aviation, just as does in other economy areas.

The measures of that policy in the sector violate the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed by 190 states, included the United States.(Prensa Latina)