By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

United Airlines is the latest major carrier to continue its Caribbean expansion.

The carrier announced Thursday that it would begin offering new nonstop services to Grand Cayman out of both Chicago and Washington DC during the winter months.

The routes will launch operations on Dec. 19, with nonstop service from O’Hare International Airport to Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Saturdays through April 20, 2016.

The Washington, DC service will depart from Washington Dulles International Airport to Grand Cayman four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays through May 4, 2016.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of United Airlines to expand connectivity to the Cayman Islands in core U.S. markets such as Chicago and Washington D.C.,” said Cayman Islands Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Moses Kirkconnell. “The addition of these new routes affirms the Cayman Islands as a preferred Caribbean destination and presents tremendous opportunity to increase visitation and overall brand positivity.”

The new routes will operate on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will conveniently  offer Chicago customers the opportunity to connect in Washington D.C.

“We are deeply encouraged by United’s decision to expand service to the Cayman Islands, making it more accessible than ever for consumers during especially high-travel periods,” said Cayman Islands Director of Tourism Rosa Harris. “With these new flight options, guests now have more flexibility regarding travel to our beautiful destination, which we hope will continue to encourage consideration and future tourist arrivals as a result.”

United currently operates flights to Cayman out of Houston and Newark.

United’s expansion also includes recently-announced service additions to Turks and Caicos, also out of Chicago.