United Airlines will reinstate its winter schedule between Newark and Bermuda, the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport announced yesterday.

In 2014, the airline chose not to fly to Bermuda during the slower season, opting instead to use its aircraft in markets that were in peak season demand.

However, in a welcome show of confidence, it has announced it will provide a non-stop service to Newark throughout the winter, beginning November 20.

The airline will operate three flights per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The flight departs Newark at 11.38am and arrives in Bermuda at 2.52pm. The return departs Bermuda at 3.50pm and arrives in Newark at 5.25pm.

Shawn Crockwell, the Minister for Tourism Development and Transport, welcomed the move.

He said in a statement: “Having obtained feedback from the international business and tourism sectors, it was determined that convincing United to return to Bermuda this winter was essential and that having flights on Mondays and Fridays was especially important to the international business community and it ensures continued employment for local United employees.”

Aaron Adderley, general manager of the LF Wade International Airport, added: “Feedback from the tourism and business sectors was key in determining the importance of having the United service reinstated for the winter.

“Airlines have been making winter scheduling adjustments for their Bermuda routes over the past few years in response to passenger numbers. That’s why it’s important that this flight and all of our winter services, improve year over year to ensure that we maintain our desired level of flight services year round.”