Chicago, January 16 (RHC-teleSUR) -- The U.S. carrier United Airlines announced Thursday it is planning to fly to Cuba with services from Houston, Newark and New Jersey, however this plan is subject to government approval, the company said.

"We plan to serve Cuba, subject to government approval, and look forward to doing so from our global gateways of Newark and Houston," spokesman Rahsaan Johnson said in an official statement.

Meanwhile, the Barack Obama administration is easing the U.S. blockade against Cuba, loosening restrictions on trade and investment.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced modifications to the limitations to trade with Cuba and the restrictions to travel to the island for U.S. citizens. The new moves will be put in force starting this Friday, and include several specific categories.