Gov. Gregoire announces new international air routes

For Immediate Release: May 8, 2008

Northwest Airlines to add daily non-stops to Beijing and London

SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire joined representatives from Northwest Airlines and the Port of Seattle in announcing two new international air routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Beijing and London.

�I congratulate Northwest Airlines not just for establishing direct flights from Sea-Tac to Beijing and London, but also for its long-term commitment to serving the people and businesses of Washington state,� Gregoire said. �These flights will facilitate the growth and diversification of our economy by enhancing Washington�s trade and tourism development. It shows our commitment to this sector of our economy is paying off.�

The opening of the new routes from Sea-Tac to Beijing and London directly address the goals of Gregoire�s Next Washington economic plan, which calls for enhancing Washington state�s edge in the global marketplace. The governor�s trade missions are a critical component of Next Washington and have helped lead to the opening of direct international air links between the state and Asia, Europe and Mexico.

On the addition of a second direct flight between Seattle and London, the governor noted, �Just as Seattle is the gateway to Asia and the Pacific, London is one of the world�s major transportation hubs, connecting Seattle to all of Europe and beyond.�

Gregoire pointed out that the direct routes also will strengthen economic ties between Washington and China, which was Washington�s largest export market last year. More than $9 billion was exported to China, an increase of 40 percent over the previous year.

�The new direct flight to Beijing is more great news for our state and China, our number one export market,� Gregoire said. �Northwest�s flights to Beijing will bolster our exports, strengthening what is already a dynamic relationship with China.�

Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Lloyd Hara also congratulated Northwest Airlines for its continuing efforts in promoting international trade in our state.

�On behalf of our entire community, I�d like to thank Northwest Airlines for choosing Sea-Tac Airport as a key international gateway to Asia. Northwest�s nonstop service to Beijing is good for our economy and good for our community. We are the most trade dependent state in the country, and the Port of Seattle has enjoyed strong ties to China through our seaport. Now we can begin strengthening our ties with direct service to China by our airport.�

Northwest�s daily non-stop service from Sea-Tac to London will begin on June 1. The airline�s daily service from Sea-Tac to Beijing will begin next March.

Northwest already has direct flights from Sea-Tac to Tokyo and Amsterdam.

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