The news culminates discussions between the Virgin Islands Port Authority, the Department of Tourism and the airline over the last several years.

Northwest Airlines will offer non-stop flights from its Detroit hub to St. Thomas on Saturdays only.  The flight is scheduled to depart Detroit at 9:45 am and arrive in St. Thomas at 3:10 pm.  The return flight departs St. Thomas at 4:00 pm and arrives in Detroit at 9:30 pm.  Northwest Airlines will utilize an Airbus A-320 aircraft with 148 seats.  The new non-stop route opens up new markets in the Midwest region for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"The addition of lift from Northwest Airlines' from Detroit to St. Thomas is exciting news," stated Commissioner Richards. "The timing couldn't be better as it's coupled with projections for another robust winter season.  These new flights will provide travelers with even more options to visit America's Caribbean from the Midwest."

For further information about Northwest Airlines, schedules or to make a reservation, visit www.nwa.com.