U.S. travelers will have an easier time getting to Martinique in 2013 as American Airlines will launch new weekly service to the island beginning April 6th.

The new flights, which represent the first nonstop air service between Martinique and the U.S. mainland since 2008, will operate with a 11:40 am departure from Miami on Saturdays, with a return flight from Martinique at 3:40 pm.

“These new flights represent a major step forward in Martinique’s development into a primary Caribbean vacation destination for U.S. travelers,” said Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille, Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority.

“Interest has been growing for Martinique among U.S. travelers in recent years. Now, with our partners at American Airlines offering convenient, weekly direct service, Martinique stands poised to charm U.S. travelers like never before.”

American’s new service to Martinique offers one-stop connections via Miami from hundreds of gateways across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, creating convenient flight options from such major metropolitan areas as New York, Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orlando.

American will use a Boeing 737 aircraft for the new Martinique service, offering the comfort of 16 business class and 134 economy class seats.