"The agreement, based on the discussions we've had, is for the beginning of May," said the head of the PSD/CDS-PP executive.

This year, United Airlines launched the first direct flight between Newark Airport and Madeira International Airport, with three weekly flights between June 9th and September 24th, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

"The idea is, since the operation went well, they'll maintain the three flights [...] and start earlier than last year," said Miguel Albuquerque, without specifying a specific date.

The president of the Regional Government explained that the United Airlines operation, which ends on Wednesday, was experimental and "went very well."

"We'll now look at the new period," he said, emphasising that "companies are in the market to make money," so "as long as they have occupancy and profit, they will certainly operate."