CouvScott
10-09-2007, 02:27 PM
The new route appeals to Oregon companies with European operations, such as Nike and Wieden+Kennedy. It could force Lufthansa to lower its fares between PDX and Frankfurt, Germany.
Douglas Steenland, Northwest Airlines chief executive, plans to announce the new flights on Tuesday during an invitation-only brunch at Portland International Airport, sources familiar with the plans told The Oregonian today. A spokesman for the airline company would not confirm news of the flights, or provide details on a launch date or frequency.
Amsterdam is a major airline hub, offering connections throughout Europe and beyond. For that reason, "the flight will be a barn-burner," says airline analyst Michael Boyd, president of the Boyd Group in Evergreen, Colo.
Oregon trade officials expect the flights to help Oregon companies sell products in Europe. State exports to Europe are already rising, as the falling dollar makes U.S. goods cheaper there. The weaker dollar, however, makes travel more expensive for American tourists.
The new flights are a coup for PDX, augmenting its international service. An average of 79 flights a week leave PDX for destinations abroad. Two-thirds of those flights, however, head to nearby Vancouver, B.C.
Douglas Steenland, Northwest Airlines chief executive, plans to announce the new flights on Tuesday during an invitation-only brunch at Portland International Airport, sources familiar with the plans told The Oregonian today. A spokesman for the airline company would not confirm news of the flights, or provide details on a launch date or frequency.
Amsterdam is a major airline hub, offering connections throughout Europe and beyond. For that reason, "the flight will be a barn-burner," says airline analyst Michael Boyd, president of the Boyd Group in Evergreen, Colo.
Oregon trade officials expect the flights to help Oregon companies sell products in Europe. State exports to Europe are already rising, as the falling dollar makes U.S. goods cheaper there. The weaker dollar, however, makes travel more expensive for American tourists.
The new flights are a coup for PDX, augmenting its international service. An average of 79 flights a week leave PDX for destinations abroad. Two-thirds of those flights, however, head to nearby Vancouver, B.C.
