MGM Muthu Hotels to Launch Domestic Flights in Cuba with Its Own Airline

The president of MGM Muthu Hotels, Nesamani Maran Muthu, has confirmed plans to operate domestic tourism flights in Cuba through their own airline, Muthu Aviation. Muthu Aviation will service destinations such as Cayo Coco, Santa María, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, as stated in recent declarations to the official newspaper Granma during the 42nd edition of the International Tourism Fair (FitCuba-2024).

Despite the announcement, it remains unclear when these flights will commence, as this is not the first time MGM Muthu has expressed intentions to launch domestic flights in Cuba. In late October 2023, the tourism portal Publituris suggested that flights would start in December of the previous year, utilizing an ATR 72-600 aircraft certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), pending final approvals from local authorities.

During the V edition of Bolsa Destinos Gaviota, a showcase of Cuba's tourism offerings held in Cayo Cruz, the director of Muthu Aviation, Keith Campbell, detailed the project. He explained that the initiative aims to provide added value for travelers by allowing quick travel between different tourist destinations on the island. This project emerged in response to the lack of domestic air connections, which forces international tourists to endure long bus rides between Havana and other destinations.

The project, which awaited only a few authorizations, was expected to launch in December of the previous year with the ATR-72 aircraft. This plane, with a capacity for 72 passengers, would be operated by European pilots and crew, and certified by European entities, making it particularly attractive to European and Canadian tourists visiting Cuba.

"We have a European aircraft that we will bring here, operating under European standards and regulations. We have a European crew, including pilots and flight attendants, along with engineers and EASA certification, which ensures compliance with European standards. This guarantees safety for European passengers and allows travel agents to book our flights with complete confidence," revealed Campbell.

Despite being a project of the same group that operates several hotel units in Cuba, Campbell mentioned that the flights would be available to anyone wishing to book them, either individually through websites like Skyscanner or GDS for travel agents.

"Our flights will also be available to tour operators planning trips to Cuba. It is not a service exclusive to Muthu Hotels' accommodations; it will be a service for everyone. Muthu Aviation aims to operate in Cuba for all those seeking flights within the country," added Campbell.

At that time, routes were mentioned to connect Havana with Cayo Coco, Holguín, and Santa Clara. However, recent updates from Granma suggested changes, with routes aimed at increasing visitors from Asian destinations like India.

MGM Muthu Hotels has been present in Cuba for several years and plans future investments. At FitCuba-2024, an agreement was signed with the Cubanacán Group for the marketing and management of the Segundo Frente Hotel in the Sierra Cristal, featuring around 600 rooms.

Looking ahead, Nesamani Maran Muthu mentioned plans to establish an agricultural business for the sustainability of their facilities, cultivating fruits and vegetables for their tourists. When asked why MGM Muthu Hotels is currently in Cuba, the president stated, "The future is in the Caribbean."

MGM Muthu Hotels is one of the most significant hotel chains in Cuba, with 12 properties and nearly 2,000 rooms. They recently launched Cubabooking.com, an online platform for booking accommodations and activities in the country. The company aims to reach 15 establishments by the end of the year.

The Cuban government remains committed to boosting tourism as a lifeline amid a worsening crisis.