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United Airlines announced a new non-stop service to Chicago O’Hare, adding to the American destinations travellers can reach directly from Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

United’s service to Chicago is the third new destination announced for 2019, following new services for Dublin and Philadelphia.

“We’re thrilled that United Airlines has added Chicago to the list of destinations served from Halifax on a non-stop basis as it demonstrates their continued confidence in our city, our province and our region,” said Bert van der Stege, chief commercial officer with the Halifax International Airport Authority, in a news release issued Wednesday.

“Like other new routes, this addition will increase inbound tourism and provide business and leisure travellers with more options and more choice.”

The once-daily flight to Chicago, beginning June 6, will use an Embraer 175 aircraft, with a 12-seat first-class cabin, 16-seat “economy plus” cabin and a 48-seat economy cabin. The flight will depart Chicago at 5:50 p.m. and arrive in Halifax at 10:52 p.m. The return leaves Stanfield at 7:14 a.m., arriving in Chicago at 8:40 a.m.

The resumption of non-stop service to Chicago has long been among the most desired routes, in particular for the business community, according to the release.

As one of the largest hubs in the United States, Chicago offers connectivity to many destinations throughout that country.

United also serves the New York City area from Halifax through flights to Newark, N.J., offering three daily flights this winter season, up one from last year.

Passengers flying to Chicago on United from Halifax will be able to take advantage of the airport’s U.S. preclearance facility, which enables passengers to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection before they depart.