Governor Gregoire Announces Northwest Airlines Beijing flight

May 8, 2008

*As Written*

Good afternoon, and thank you, Mark for the introduction.

I�m honored to be here to share this happy occasion with Neal (Cohen, Executive Vice President International of Northwest Airlines), and also with Loyd (Hara, Port of Seattle Commission VP) and Tay (Yoshitani, Port CEO).

I want to congratulate Northwest Airlines not just for establishing a direct flight to Beijing, but also for its long-term commitment to Washington.

Northwest is launching its new flight from Sea Tac to London next month, and it already has direct flights to Tokyo and Amsterdam.

The new, direct flight to Beijing being announced today is great economic news for Washington.

It comes at a time when other parts of the nation are facing a struggling economy, and airlines are being impacted by high fuel prices and even consolidating or limiting existing flights.

Northwest Airlines recognizes the growth potential at Sea Tac and Washington as a whole. Already, Northwest is a major employer in our state � with 1,350 mechanics, pilots, flight attendants and other employees based here.

Once it begins next year � Northwest�s China flight will further strengthen Washington�s growing ties to China.

China was our largest export market last year. We exported more than $9 billion to China � an increase of 40 percent over the year before.

This flight will also make it easier for investors and tourists from both countries to do business and travel.

When I met two years ago with President Hu Jintao of China, one of the things we discussed was the need for a direct flight between Washington and his nation.

In fact, in promoting international trade, I�ve considered it very important to establish more international flights to capitals all over the world.

And we have succeeded!

Counting Northwest�s new London and Beijing flights, we have established six new direct international flights in the past three years.

Thank you, Northwest, for being such a big part of this success.

Bon Voyage!