United Airlines will begin seasonal service at Key West International Airport, with flights to and from the airline’s gateway hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Beginning Dec. 16, 2016 and running through May 4, 2017, United will be the only carrier to offer daily nonstop service between the New York area and Key West. United’s Newark (EWR) is its largest hub operation in the New York City area and offers customers convenient connections throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

From its hub at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), United also will provide Saturday only nonstop service to Key West – the only nonstop service between Chicago and Key West. This service begins Jan. 7 and will run through April 29, 2017, with Embraer 170 regional jet aircraft, with 70 seats.

Tickets for these flights to Key West will go on sale Saturday, Aug. 20.

“United is the only airline to offer nonstop service between Key West and our hubs in Chicago and New York/Newark,” said Brian Znotins, United’s vice president of Network. “While other airlines are adding seats to the same airports in Florida, we saw an opportunity to offer customers more choice and convenience by serving Key West nonstop from Chicago and New York.”

During the more than yearlong effort working with the United to bring these flights to Key West, Airport Director Donald DeGraw said the airport received tremendous support from the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, the Key West Chamber of Commerce and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The BOCC, which oversees the airport, waived airport fees for the first year of service.

“We all worked very hard to make this happen,” DeGraw said. “Nonstop jet service to Newark and Chicago will provide our customers with unparalleled convenience and worldwide connectivity, and of course United’s first class customer service.”

United Ground Express, a subsidiary of United Airlines, will provide airport ground handling services at Key West – including customer service, station operations, and ramp and cargo. Several new jobs will be created with the start of United service at Key West International Airport. United Ground Express is now accepting applications.  To apply, go to www.unitedgroundexpress.com. Candidates should select “Join Our Team,” select the Key West posting, create their profile and submit.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate more than 4,500 flights a day to 339 airports across five continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated more than 1.5 million flights carrying more than 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 720 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 787s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.