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Good luck finding flights to the festival.

Theoretically there are probably planes that could make it to Cuba and back or to a refueling site without gassing up in Cuba. But it would be much more costly from a fuel standpoint and riskier from a safety perspective. It just doesn't make sense to continue flights somewhere there's no fuel available, especially if it means passenger and baggage weight restrictions.

What a night it must have been!

The fees are paid into an offshore account in the US. Fuel can only be administered to US planes only in an emergency. A big fine will likely follow, the quality can't be trusted. So why would you fuel in Cuba? The US planes are not buying fuel in Cuba because the US government doesn't want US travelers to support their system. I have sat countless hours in the waiting area in T2 and T3 and you get a chance to see who refuels and who doesn't.

I have to say the 59s are great already even though fresh. I enjoyed it!

Before the SEC approval of ETFs they couldn't hold BTC so they held futures and the like. The ETFs were then approved https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/gensler-statement-spot-bitcoin-011023, that sh/could then hold the underlying asset. Do check.

Yeah, some of the ETFs apparently hold actual Bitcoin, others apparently hold futures. I'm looking at the Fidelity ETF, which holds actual Bitcoin.

Forgot to post this pic. Completely forgot to post this pic. So, this is the W Curtis Draper exclusive, Guillermo Leon by La Aurora Lancero. 2013 or 2014, and no yellow at all in the celophane.

But.. how do they pay other fees? I mean, there are many fees to pay, like landing fee, maintenance fee, terminal usage fee and many others. I'm pretty sure they do not operate for free (it's a communism but not for everyone, lol). And if you already paying for everything why you're not allowed to pay for fuel? I asked Chatgpt (I know its not really reliable source of truth, but anyway) and here what I got: Historically, the U.S. has allowed licensed transactions related to civil aviation safety, including fuel for international flights, charters, and sometimes commercial service — depending on the administration and licensing regime.

as per @Capn_Jacksons request

I totally agree with your take on Brian Desind! Total Grifter.

Air Canada is suspending all flights and is sending empty planes down to pick up 3,000 passengers on the island. https://apnews.com/article/air-canada-cuba-fuel-shortage-e2bc06083e099c9d45f6357adee451cc

The main issue there is that you don't fully "own" it because its not in your possession, its in PayPal's. Just like your money isn't in your possession, it's in your bank's possession. I've used Robinhood, Coinbase, PayPal, etc to hold various crypto without issue. Essentially: There is nothing "wrong" with it and you should be able to withdraw into your own Bitcoin wallet at anytime. I'm actually starting to look into this, because I would like to to put some Bitcoin into my retirement account to make it a bit more tax advantaged. It's going to take a little research to weigh the pros, cons and compare the differences in fees. BlackRock just introduced a "Bitcoin Income ETF", whatever that means: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/blackrock-files-bitcoin-income-etf-173400443.html

I fully agree that it looks bleak. Also, don’t most of the attendees that go to habanos festivals arrive from places mostly outside of North and South America? Imho, if I were even thinking of attending this year, I would skip it. The Cuban people need every ounce of resources on the island right now, more than any potential guest does.

This does not apply to American as by US law they cant re-fuel or take on any supplies in Cuba. John

Also, a 737 does not have a fuel dumping feature. In the event of a forced landing they will fly in circles to burn off fuel at low altitude before attempting a landing to reduce weight.

Wow. This just is going to keep getting worse for the island, it seems. They’ll pull it together for the Habanos festival, but man, this is looking bleak.

By rule, I think it is the Helms-Burton act, the US planes can't re-fuel in Cuba or take on any other supplies. FAA rule Part 91 covers most of that through orders from OFAC/Treasury Department int the US. Most of the Caribbean planes don't re-fuel. If you have a 3000+ mile range 1/2 tank should get you the 130 miles RT to Miami. Airplanes don't dump fuel in an emergency landing. They dump fuel when they are to crash-land, so they don't set everyone on fire. This lack of fuel affects mostly Canada and Europe or other long distance flights.

Opus X 25th Figurado. Divine. Most Opus X flavors in one cigar. Truly special.

Are you sure about this? I heard it’s unsafe to land with a lot of fuel in the tanks, which is why airplanes dump fuel during an emergency landing to reduce their weight. And even if aiplanes don't have a dump system they just circle around, that's what I was told.

Gotta keep enough on hand for that new private jet to make it all the way to Russia!

Super interesting...not many vitolas consistent with today's offerings!

Post Covid EL does not band or box their cigars, they are done at another undisclosed factory. John

Mike...this is a recycled box. Notice the double green seal in the 3rd and 4th pics. TAP-Lazaro Pena, a countryside factory in Holguin. What did I win? John

Sad that it's always revenue or the lure thereof which seems to drive extension of freedom/rights. Sheesh.