Ponce-Newark flights.

PONCE-NEWARK FLIGHTS. Continental Airlines has reached an agreement with the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. and will begin offering a daily nonstop flight from Ponce to Newark, N.J., in December, reports Caribbean Business (May 31, 2004). Jose Suarez, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. said his advisors believe that Continental operations in Ponce could generate US$6 million in the south region's economy. He noted that the agency is still negotiating the terms of the agreement, which will require the payment of a US$500,000 guarantee to Continental should the airline not obtain the revenue projected from the operation at Ponce's La Mercedita Airport. The money would be evenly split between the Tourism Co. and the municipality of Ponce. Continental will operate a jet with seating for 124 passengers from its new destination in Ponce, which translates into nearly 2,000 inbound and outbound passengers a week. The nonstop Newark-Ponce flight will be available seven days a week between December and August and four times a week from September to November.