By the Caribbean Journal staff

Spanish carrier Iberia is expanding its seasonal winter flights to Puerto Rico to year-round service, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello announced.

The airline will now be offering direct flights between Madrid and San Juan all year round, with thrice-weekly service on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

“Iberia has been an unwavering ally of Puerto Rico and we are pleased to see that its commitment to the Island is redoubled and strengthened,” Rossello said. “Having a direct flight throughout the year is a strong indicator that tourism in Puerto Rico is growing and that the leadership of the Tourism Company in the development of air routes is generating results.”

The additional seats could mean an extra economic impact of $7.4 million per year, according to Carla Campos, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

“This agreement between the Tourism Company and Iberia multiplies our connectivity with Europe during the winter, which is when more Europeans visit Puerto Rico,” Campos said.

Iberia is operating the service on Airbus A330 aircraft with capacity for 292 passengers.