An American Airlines passenger plane took off from Miami International Airport to Caracas on Thursday morning for the first time in seven years, signaling a restored diplomatic relationship between the United States and Venezuela. 

“We have a more than 30-year history connecting Venezolanos to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship,” said Nat Pieper, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “By restarting service to Venezuela, American will offer customers the opportunity to reunite with families and create new business and commerce with the United States.”