Continental Airlines confirmed yesterday it will be adding a third daily flight to Bermuda starting from June 10.

Bermuda Airport Manager Jim Howes welcomed the news and said US Customs will be opening half an hour earlier, at 5.30 a.m, for pre-clearance for the 6.45 a.m. Newark flight.

He said: ?We had talked to them over a year ago where they mentioned a third flight but later withdrew it because of problems with scheduling.

?We are delighted persistence has paid off and we will have a third daily flight from Newark ? that will be a first.?

The flight will arrive in Newark at 8.16 a.m. while the flight back will leave at 7 p.m. and arrive in Bermuda at 10.20 p.m.

Continental will operate a Boeing 737-700 jet with seating for 12 passengers in first class and 112 in coach.

Continental?s other Newark flight leaves Newark at 11.55 a.m. and lands in Bermuda at 3.04 p.m.

The return flight leaves Bermuda at 3.55 p.m. and arrives at 5.30 p.m.