Northwest Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service from Sea-Tac Airport to Beijing

Northwest Now Boasts Four Nonstop International Routes From Sea-Tac

The Port of Seattle welcomed today's announcement from Northwest Airlines for their expansion of its trans-Pacific route network with new daily nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Beijing, China. The start of new international daily non-stop service to Beijing is scheduled to begin March 1, 2009, giving Northwest four nonstop international routes from Sea-Tac including Amsterdam, London Heathrow, and Tokyo.

China is the largest trading partner for the State of Washington, with two-way trade in excess of $30 billion annually and growing. Corporations such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks are household names in China.

"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," said Lloyd Hara, Port of Seattle Commission Vice President. "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 additional direct service to China by our airport."

The announcement was made at a press conference today at the Port of Seattle headquarters on Pier 69. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire emphasized the importance of this new service and its potential impact for the state.

"China is Washington State's number one export market with nearly limitless opportunities for growth," said Governor Christine Gregoire. "Northwest Airlines' new flight will greatly expand our ability to increase trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange with China, bringing new jobs and economic development to our state. It also reinforces Seattle as the gateway to Asia and the Pacific. I'm very pleased that we continue to lengthen our list of direct international flights from Seattle on Northwest Airlines."

Northwest Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world; together with its partners, the airline provides service to more than 1,000 cities in 160 countries on six continents.

In the last 14 months, the Port of Seattle has announced five additional new nonstop routes - AeroMexico to Mexico City, Air France to Paris, Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Hainan Airlines to Beijing, and Northwest Airlines new nonstop to London. Sea-Tac Airport now has 14 nonstop flights to Asia and Europe.