TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Dozens of U.S. carriers, including several out of Tampa International, have applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for U.S.-Cuba flight rights.

A February agreement between the two countries opened the door for the first regularly scheduled, non-chartered flights between U.S. and Cuba in five decades.

The arrangement gives U.S. airlines access to 100 daily flights to Cuba, but only 20 of those will be allowed to go to Havana, the most desired destination.

Southwest and JetBlue airlines have applied for two daily flights each out of Tampa International Airport. American, JetBlue and Xtra airways already service charter flights.

SEE the full list of airlines and the Cuba routes they’ve applied for

That’s how Yoryany Chavez is taking her first trip to Cuba. Through a chartered flight on Xtra Airways.

“I heard it’s a beautiful country and I really want to go see it,” she said.

Chavez hopes commercial flights for Cuba are awarded to Tampa International Airport. “I think it would be great. It’s easier for us,” said Chavez.

TPA spokeswoman, Janet Zink said we’re a natural market for those flights. “We have the third largest Cuban American population in the United States here,” said Zink.

Zink said commercial flights would mean a big boost to Tampa Bay’s economy. “We served about 73,000 people in 2015, which was a 65% increase over 2012, the first year of operation,” said Zink.

Airport officials plan to submit letters of support to the U.S. Department of Transportation, to help make their case why those flights should be awarded to TPA.

The department is expected to make a decision over the summer.THE STORIES OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON: