The Northern Ireland Assembly will pay United Airlines 9M GBP over 3 years for the airline to continue its daily Belfast - New York service.
United had been planning to eliminate the route in September and base its aircraft at a more profitable location.
NI Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said the NI Executive supported the rescue package because the route is crucial to attracting US inward investment.
To which I'd add: not to mention Northern Ireland inbound tourism from the USA.