CUBA ! MEXICO !! Flying Cubana IL-96 !!! Optional flights in Cubana An-158, Aerogaviota Antonov’s & Mils & Interjet Sukhoi Superjet 100

PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Saturday, 7th - Saturday, 14th May

Visit to Aeromexico maintenance now confirmed Opportunities to fly in classic, old Soviet/Russian airliners are few and far between, however, Cubana still fly the Ilyushin IL-96 on two of their scheduled services to/from Havana out of Madrid and we will be on one of them! During our stay in Havana you have the option of booking your seat on the latest airliner from Antonov – the An-158 – on one of Cubana’s domestic or international services. Other Russian types which may be available for optional flights are with the private operator Aerogaviota who fly An-24, An-26 and Mil-8 helicopters: annotate your booking form if interested! Unfortunately visits to Cubana maintenance and ramp tours of Havana Airport have been refused. In Mexico City, we await confirmation of a ramp tour of Mexico City International Airport. A visit to Aeromexico maintenance has been confirmed for the Wednesday. Confirmation has been received for our visit to the maintenance facility of the Mexican budget airline Interjet whose fleet comprises A320s and the new Sukhoi Superjet 95/100s (pictured right)!! You have the option of booking return flights on the Sukhoi, on one of Interjet’s domestic services once our other aviation visits are confirmed. We have included a sightseeing tour and free time in Havana to enjoy as you wish. We stay in the centre of Havana at a superior standard hotel. Since the recent normalisation of relations with the USA it will come as no surprise that hotel prices have gone up by 25%-33%! As the hotels at Mexico City International Airport will not guarantee rooms overlooking the airport, we will stay downtown at the Galeria Plaza hotel, a short drive from the airport. We fly from London’s Heathrow Airport to/from Madrid on the scheduled services of British Airways; Madrid – Havana – Madrid on the scheduled services of Cubana operated by Il-96; and Havana-Mexico City-Havana on the scheduled services of Aeromexico.

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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As it is not possible to check in either ourselves or our luggage all the way to/from Havana we have to check in again at Madrid Airport on the outbound and inbound journeys – hence an interval of several hours purposely included between our BA and Cubana flights to allow for check-in and any flight delays. Travel around both countries is in comfortable coaches - see appropriate paragraph on page 6 “General Information”; we stay in superior standard hotels on a bed and breakfast basis; and in addition to an Ian Allan Aviation Tours Manager are accompanied by local English-speaking guides. Although this tour is not cheap – Cubana is definitely NOT a budget airline – it promises to be a great tour for photographers, spotters and those who love to fly in rare aircraft types.

PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: SATURDAY, 7th MAY Between 04:45 and 05:25 please check-in with British Airways in Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering adjacent to Column G, located in the Departures Hall immediately before the self-service check-in podiums (not the usual line of check-in and fast bag-drop desks). As this is a very busy time of the day, the latest check-in time advised by the airline is 2 hours prior to departure, i.e. 05:25.  Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5  Madrid

Flight: BA 458

Departs: 07:25 Arrives: 10:55

On arrival we go through Immigration, collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim, pass through Customs and proceed to Departures where we check-in with Cubana.  Madrid  Havana, Terminal 3

Flight: CU 471

Departs: 15:15 Arrives: 19:40

After the usual arrival procedures we meet our local guide in the Arrivals Hall and transfer by chartered coach to Hotel Plaza in downtown Havana. We stay 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis at this hotel which has 3 restaurants and 3 bars, including Fausto, the buffet restaurant and bar on the fifth floor. This is also where the Plaza’s rooftop terrace is located, with expansive city views, and a restaurant café and bar. Website: www.hotelplazacuba.com/

DAY 2: SUNDAY, 8th MAY Today we have a half-day sightseeing tour of historic Havana by car and on foot. The Classic Car Tour is in vintage 1950s – mainly American – cars which drive along the Malecon (the sea front) a famous route for the old 1950s cars! Includes lunch at the “Café del Oriente”. During the day we also visit the Museum of the Revolution which has a Hawker Sea Fury on display (pictured left), and the engine of the American U-2 spy plane that was shot down over the island during the Cuban missile crisis.

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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DAY 3: MONDAY, 9th MAY A free day with coach and local guide. Although there are no viewing facilities at the airport itself we can photograph and log ‘on approach’. Various spotting locations around Havana Airport can be found on Scramble Aviation’s website: www.scramble.nl/airfield-guide/havana-jose-marti Time for optional flights on the scheduled services of Cubana operated by their An-158 (picture right courtesy of Oleg V. Belyakov). Each person is responsible for booking and paying for his flights having looked at Cubana’s timetable and choosing a destination which can be achieved in a day. It may also be possible to fly with Aerogaviota – please annotate your booking if you are interested in these optional flights. During our time on the island we have also requested a visit to see/photograph the incredible collection of aircraft in the Museo del Aire. This is located on a Cuban airbase 30 miles southwest of Havana, and as the wheels of bureaucracy turn very slowly in Cuba, we do not expect an early decision. Website: www.sbap.be/museum/cuba/cuba.htm Robert The remainder of the time is free to enjoy as you wish.

DAY 4: TUESDAY, 10th MAY This morning it’s an early transfer to Havana Airport to check in with Aeromexico for our flight to Mexico City; latest check-in time is 04:10.  Havana, Terminal 3  Mexico City

Flight: AM 454

Departs: 06:11 Arrives: 08:29

After the usual arrival procedures, our first stop is a buffet breakfast at the nearby Camino Royal Mexico City Airport Hotel (meal at own expense) which is a short walk from the terminal. The day is then spent at the airport. Over the next 3 days we will: Visit Interjet’s maintenance facility - CONFIRMED Enjoy a ramp tour of the airport – TO BE CONFIRMED Spend the remaining time at one of the external viewing points for photography, e.g., the footbridge near McDonalds at the threshold of runway 05L. See Scramble Aviation’s website which has a good spotters/ photographers guide.

Photo courtesy of John Taggart

Late afternoon each day we transfer by private coach to the Galeria Plaza Hotel located approximately 9 miles from the airport, where we stay 3 nights on bed and breakfast basis: facilities include on-site restaurant, bar and free wi-fi. Website: www.brisas.com.mx/hotels/mexico/the_hotel

DAYS 5 & 6: WEDNESDAY, 11th & THURSDAY, 12th MAY On Wednesday we visit Aeromexico’s maintenance facility – visit confirmed. We await confirmation of a ramp tour. Rest of the days on the airport’s perimeter at a viewing point. The coach remains with the group all day, every day.

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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DAY 7: FRIDAY, 13th MAY After breakfast we transfer to Mexico City Airport and check-in with Aeromexico for our flight back to Havana. Latest recommended check-in time is 08:30.  Mexico City  Havana, Terminal 3

Flight: AM 451

Departs: 10:30 Arrives: 14:10

On arrival we will need to purchase a second Cuban Travel Card before proceeding through Immigration. We then check-in with Cubana for our overnight flight back to Madrid. Note: the Cubana flight departs from the same terminal (No 3, International Terminal) as Aeromexico. You have the option of remaining at the airport or spending some time in downtown Havana. Transfers would be by taxi at your own expense. Boarding for the onward flight to Madrid should start around 40 minutes prior to departure: 21:20.  Havana, Terminal 3

Flight: CU 470

Departs: 22:00

DAY 8: SATURDAY, 14th MAY  Madrid

Arrives: 13:15

On arrival we go through the usual Immigration, Baggage Reclaim and Customs formalities and then go to Departures and check-in with British Airways for our onward flight to London: boarding should commence at 17:40.  Madrid  Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5

Flight: BA 461

Departs: 18:20 Arrives: 19:40

Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell – until the next time.

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON From: £2,329.00 From: £ 196.00 On request

TOUR: 227620

Price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a Bed and Breakfast basis including one lunch and one dinner as stated in the itinerary. Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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TOUR PRICE INCLUDES                

Return flights London Heathrow Airport-Madrid on the scheduled services of British Airways as stated Return flights Madrid-Havana on the scheduled services of Cubana as stated Return flights Havana-Mexico City on the scheduled services of Aeromexico as stated UK, Spanish, Cuban and Mexican airport taxes, and UK Passenger Duty All transfers in Cuba and Mexico by air-conditioned coach 6 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities Continental breakfast each morning – except Day 4 One lunch in Havana One dinner in Havana Half Day Sightseeing Tour in Havana with drinks Mandatory tips to room maid in Mexico City hotel Mandatory tips to bell boys on arrival and departure in Mexico City hotel Services of luggage porters on arrival Mexico City Airport Services of local English-speaking guide in Cuba Services of local English-speaking guide in Mexico Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED         

Meals, other than those as stated above Optional flight in An-158 Optional flight in Sukhoi Superjet 95/100 Any optional flights with Aerogaviota Visas – see pages 6 and 7 of General Information Travel insurance – see page 8 of General Information Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Gratuity for coach drivers Other tips and gratuities

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Payment for Ian Allan Aviation Tours A deposit of £500.00 per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour’s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. Ian Allan Aviation Tours cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Coach Travel Ian Allan Aviation Tours only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 16-18 seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as “for hire or reward”. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any “for hire or reward” rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard U.K. driver’s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. FCO Consular Advice The FCO’s consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. We suggest you visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for upto-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site http://abta.com/gotravel and an Information Line, telephone: 0203 117 0599. This line is open between the hours 10:00 – 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide: www.worldtravelguide.net for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. Cuba: British nationals require a Single Entry visa (called a Tourist Card) to enter Cuba. This can be done prior to the tour departing by contacting the Cuban Consulate Office in London in person, by mail or on-line: www.visacuba.com/pages/home.aspx The Card currently costs around £25.00 including fees, administration and postage. Alternatively, a Single Entry Tourist Card can be obtained on arrival at Havana Airport. Please note: we ‘arrive’ in Havana twice: from Madrid and from Mexico City. On arrival from Mexico City we will be in transit and will not require a Tourist Card as long as you remain air-side; however, should you wish to leave the airport and go downtown during the long interval between flights, you will need to purchase a second Single Entry Tourist Card on your arrival. All other nationalities should enquire at their nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate.

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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Mexico: British nationals do not require a visa, but you do need a tourist card, which you can get on arrival by completing an immigration form (available on-board flights to Mexico). You also need the tourist card to leave the country. If you lose it you have to get it replaced at the immigration office at the airport: the cost of a replacement is $295.00 in Mexican Pesos, which is payable at a bank! All other nationalities should enquire at their nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate. Cuban Customs Mobile telephones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but any in-built GPS should be disconnected or disabled. If not the item will be confiscated and handed back to you when you depart the country. Baggage Regulations – British Airways – Departing from London’s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: British Airways will transport 1 piece of ‘checked’ baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 75in x 29½in x 25½in (190cm x 75cm x 65), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 50lb (23kg). Cabin Baggage: for travel out of London’s Heathrow Airport you may take 1 carry-on bag (and 1 personal item). Your main piece of hand baggage can be up to the dimensions of 22in x 18in x 10in (56cm x 45cm x 25cm), including handles and wheels. You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided. Carry-on baggage must be stowed in carry-on compartments of the aircraft, under a seat, or in an overhead locker. Your bag must also fit into the bag gauge, available at the check-in area. All larger-sized items must go in the aircraft’s hold. Baggage Regulations – Cubana Checked Baggage: you are allowed 2 pieces each weighing no more than 50lb (23kg). However, taking into account the baggage allowance of British Airways/Iberia we recommend you take only 1 piece! Cabin Baggage: the maximum weight of the hand baggage is 11lbs (5 kgs). Its weight will be included as part of the total weight of your baggage to be compared with the free allowance permitted for your flight. The volume of a hand baggage is limited to what physically fits under a passenger seat or in the upper compartments. Baggage Regulations – Aeromexico Checked Baggage: you are allowed 2 pieces each weighing no more than 50lb (23kg). However, taking into account the baggage allowance of British Airways/Iberia we recommend you take only 1 piece! Cabin Baggage: the maximum weight of the hand baggage is 22lbs (10 kgs), with linear dimensions of up to 115 cm (45") (56 x 36 x 23 cms or 22" x 14" x 9": length + width + height); plus one personal object (e.g. handbag, briefcase, lap top case or backpack) up to a maximum weight of 3 kg/6.6 lbs; plus one additional item (e.g. umbrella, camera with case, duty free bag). Hand baggage can include: Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-Pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit. Limited quantities of liquids are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: Shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. All electrical devices, e.g. cameras, laptops, i-pads, mobile phones etc, must be fully charged. If not they, and you, may have to undergo additional security checks which could result in you missing your flight; in which case – depending on the co-operation of the airline - you may have to purchase new tickets (if you do not board your first flight then all other flights are automatically cancelled). At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note, you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase certain items in any shop and take it onto the aircraft as normal. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed. As baggage regulations can change with little warning, due to security requirements, you are strongly advised to contact the airline for the latest information nearer to the time of your departure. Meals Meals are not normally included in the price of our tours unless they are included within the room rate as we realise that not everyone wants three meals a day. On this tour Continental Breakfast is included, one lunch and one dinner, as stated. In-flight meals when included within the cost of the air ticket form part of the tour price, however some airlines (primarily European carriers) now only serve refreshments for which they charge accordingly. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Cuba or Mexico. Please consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress The weather should be sunny with temperatures in Havana ranging from 70ºF–88ºsF (21-31ºsC). In Mexico City, slightly lower temperatures of between 52ºF–77ºsF (11-25ºsC). We therefore recommend you take summer items of clothing. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, Ian Allan Aviation Tours can provide competitive and comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of your tour. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to Ian Allan Aviation Tours. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. The Policies for the USA also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Please note that should we be granted access air-side, anyone using a wheelchair, walking sticks or crutches may not be allowed to go on to the airport’s operational areas for your, and flight safety, reasons. This will be decided by the local authorities, not Ian Allan Travel. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi-day stays in the same place, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Havana at the hotel (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we would be pleased to quote a ‘Land Only’ price. This price does not include any flights whatsoever and you are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. The land only price does not include the airport transfer on Day 1; should a seat be available on the group’s coach there will be a supplementary charge of £15.00 which will be taken with your final payment. Alternatively, payment on the day, to the tour manager, will be US$25.00 in cash only.

Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary, however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. Ian Allan Aviation Tours cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call Ian Allan Aviation Tours on 01932 255625 for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking - we can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. “Purple Meet & Greet” Car Parking From your home or overnight hotel, simply drive directly to Terminal 5 to the special ‘valet parking’ area located in the short term car park connected to the terminal. At the Purple Meet & Greet Reception you leave your car keys and it will be taken to an off-airport, secure, car park while you walk the few yards into the terminal! On your return your car will be waiting for you at the Purple Reception. Simple and very convenient. Recommended by our Tour Managers – please call for details: it may be cheaper than you think. Pleasure Flights – Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, Ian Allan Aviation Tours will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon.

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Tour 227620 – Cuba & Mexico – Provisional Itinerary – Issue 2 Ian Allan Aviation Tours Terminal House, Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8AS, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1932 255625 Fax: +44 (0)1932 231942 e-mail: [email protected] www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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