JetBlue Airways and its charter partner, Cuba Travel Services, marked a milestone this week with the announcement of a new flight from New York to Havana, Cuba. The move makes JetBlue the first major carrier to announce a new flight to Cuba from New York since travel restrictions were recently eased.

The expanded charter service comes on the heels of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s trade mission to Cuba where JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes and other New York business leaders joined him as he led a dialogue to connect New York businesses to new opportunities in Cuba.

“By leading one of the first state trade missions to Cuba as the United States reestablishes diplomatic relations, we placed New York State businesses at the front of the line for new prospects in Cuba, that will in turn support jobs and economic activity here at home,” said Cuomo.

Cuba Travel Services will offer the flight, operated by JetBlue, on Fridays from New York (JFK) to Havana (HAV) beginning July 3. Travelers should make arrangements directly with Cuba Travel Services.

“We appreciate Governor Cuomo’s commitment to leading a discussion about the role New Yorkers can play in Cuba,” said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. “The Governor’s trade mission is helping position JetBlue as the leading carrier to Cuba. In teaming with an experienced charter partner like Cuba Travel Services, our first flight from JFK to Cuba brings JetBlue’s award-winning experience to Cuba-bound customers and offers new direct travel options from New York, where many Cubans live today.”

With the addition of the New York–Havana flight, JetBlue will operate five weekly roundtrips to Cuba, including flights from Tampa (TPA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) with various charter partners.