DALLAS, USA - SOUTHWEST Airlines yesterday began offering for sale new non-stop service between Chicago and both Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The flights available for sale will begin this spring, subject to governmental approvals, and will be operated by Southwest's wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, said Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines' executive vice- president and chief commercial officer.

"These new international markets make sense for our Chicagoland Customers as we approach connecting the Southwest and AirTran route networks in the coming months," said Jordan, who is also AirTran Airways president.

"AirTran and Southwest serve more than 60 destinations non-stop from Chicago and these additions open up new international options for those customers," he added.

AirTran Airways non-stop flights between Chicago (Midway) and Montego Bay will begin Sunday, April 14 and will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the company announced.

The non-stop flights between Chicago (Midway) and Punta Cana will begin Sunday, May 19 and will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.