Air Canada launches inaugural flight to Cuban destination.

CANADA, December 26, 2007.Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada celebrated the first flight to their newest destination, Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba. The new non-stop charter flight was launched from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.  The inaugural flight was full, with 120 passengers who were ready to begin their holiday celebrations in warm, sunny Cuba.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Air Canada Vacations’ Nino Montagnese, senior director of sales; Elias Bestard, director of the Cuba Tourist Board and Howard Bohan, vice president of operations for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).
Montagnese told TRAVELHotNews.com, “Not only is this the inaugural flight to Cayo Santa Maria, but it’s a new destination for Air Canada Vacations. The flight will compliment the other six destinations we fly to in Cuba, and gives a great product offering for the trade to offer their consumers.”
The director of the Cuba Tourist Board thanked the full flight of 120 passengers, assuring them they would enjoy the weather and the culture in Cuba. Just the day before, Bestard flew from his home country back to Canada in time to kick off the inaugural flight. Bestard told TRAVELHotNews that people were waiting in Cayo Santa Maria, ready to celebrate the first flight with music and a welcome ceremony.
Bohan added that the GTAA was “very excited to launch our newest destination and to share in the celebrations [with the passengers],” adding that the GTAA was more than happy to accommodate more flights from Air Canada Vacations and work together with the tour operator.
Sophy Khwaja, Air Canada Vacations’ communications manager told the passengers that “it would be a party all the way” to Cuba, noting that many surprises would be in store.
Before takeoff, five gift certificates were awarded to the lucky passengers in denominations of $200 each, allowing them to think about their next vacation with the tour operator. The passengers also enjoyed special gift bags with amenities inside and champagne on the flight.
The chartered Cayo Santa Maria flights will operate on Thursdays from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. (Cubaminrex-Embacuba Canadá)