American Airlines has become the first US passenger airline to begin cargo services to Cuba by offering mail services into and out of Havana.

Havana is the airline’s principal destination from the US with one daily flight between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport using an Airbus A319, and four flights a day from Miami using a Boeing 737-800.

American Airlines vice president – cargo operations, David Vance says: “As the leading US carrier to Cuba we are excited to launch cargo service to the island. Our teams on the ground in the US and in Cuba have worked hard to make this a reality. This new service will benefit families in both countries.”

American Airlines operates nine daily flights to Cuba, with services to Holguin, Santa Clara, Varadero and Camaguey, in addition to Havana.