Continental Airlines has announced that it will launch nonstop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS) starting February 18, 2011. This is, however, subject to government approval.

Providenciales will be Continental Airlines’ 26th Caribbean destination.

An official of the airline said that flights will operate four times a week – Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – initially, but will convert to daily service from March 6, 2011.

According to schedule released by the company, the approximately three-and-a-half-hour flight (CO 610) will depart Newark at 9:35 a.m., arriving in Providenciales at 1:10 p.m. The return flight (CO 615) will depart Providenciales at 2:05 p.m., arriving in Newark at 5:45 p.m.

Continental Airlines will be using its 160-seat Boeing 737-800 for the new service, with 16 in First Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats.