United Airlines was chosen Friday as the airline to jumpstart commercial service from L.A./Palmdale Airport. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will make the official announcement on Monday. The Los Angeles World Airport Board of Commissioners is expected to approve an agreement with United on Monday. The Palmdale City Council takes its vote on Wednesday. United Airlines and Delta Airlines were the only air carriers responding to requests by Los Angeles World Airport for service from the 60-acre airport. United will have service from Palmdale to San Francisco. Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said the decision is a vital step forward in the realization of a regional air transit system for Southern California and United brings a strong national presence. “Unlike the small-scale providers in the past, United is a world class airline and a national leader in travel services,” Antonovich said. This is the second time in recent years that Los Angeles World Airport has attempted to bring air service to Palmdale. Scenic Airways provided flights from the airport to North Las Vegas from late 2004 through March 2006 A $900,000 federal grant in addition to contributions from LAWA, the city of Palmdale and Los Angeles County has been pooled together to fund a $2.05 million revenue guarantee agreement to mitigate the business risk an airline faces in entering a new, unproven market. Palmdale, LAWA and other partners are also providing $2.56 million in in-kind contributions, including terminal rent abatements, advertising, marketing, promotional support and staff time.