American Airlines has resumed nonstop service between Miami and Caracas, Venezuela, operating its first flight to the country in seven years aboard a special commemorative aircraft marking 250 years of American independence.
Flight 3599 departed Miami International Airport (MIA) at 10:11 a.m. on 30 April, bound for Caracas (CCS). The service was operated by Envoy Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, using an Embraer 175 regional jet wearing a special America250 livery.
The aircraft had been unveiled days earlier at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) during an event attended by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and America250 Executive Vice President Jen Condon. The unveiling marked two overlapping milestones: the airline’s centennial year and the approaching 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
American Airlines first began service to Venezuela in 1987 and operated as the leading US carrier in the country for more than 30 years before suspending flights in 2019. The resumption of service required the involvement of senior US government officials.
“American is proud to be the first airline to resume service between Venezuela and the US. Our historic return to Venezuela wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the governments of both countries,” said Nate Gatten, Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs.
“For a century, American has helped move our country forward by connecting people, places and possibilities,” said Robert Isom, CEO, American Airlines. “As we celebrate our centennial, it’s especially meaningful to unveil an aircraft that honors our country’s 250th anniversary and the shared story of progress, perseverance and innovation that defines both America and our airline.”
“American Airlines has spent a century connecting people across this country and beyond,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President, America250. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, this aircraft is a powerful symbol of how American innovation, mobility and partnership continue to bring our country together.”
A second daily flight between Miami and Caracas is scheduled to begin on 21 May, also operated by Envoy Air using an Embraer 175. The E175 features a premium cabin and free Wi-Fi sponsored by AT&T.
With two daily frequencies in place, American says its Miami hub will offer more than 85 destinations one-stop access to Caracas, including connections from Orlando (MCO), Houston (IAH) and New York (LGA).
The America250 aircraft will continue to fly across American’s global network following the inaugural Venezuela service, acting as a travelling tribute to the nation’s history. American Airlines also announced it will serve as the Official Airline of America Innovates, a travelling showcase of US ingenuity tied to the Semiquincentennial commemoration.
American Airlines is an official partner of America250, the nonpartisan organisation appointed by Congress to lead the national 250th anniversary celebrations.
