We will be boarding the nonstop flight to Tokyo with Delta. This is both a personal preference and a sound business decision for the city of Portland. I choose to avoid transferring though multiple airports as much as possible. Quicker flights and fewer delays mean my time is spent doing what I need to do – selling Portland to the world.

This is also important for the city. In the past week, I have met with several incoming business delegations from Japan, and my first point with each of them is to emphasize our direct flights with their country. This is of critical importance in recruiting new businesses, helping our existing companies expand, and marketing Portland as an international city. I believe that PDX will soon host a wider variety of international flights, and to make this happen, it is important that we all use our existing international air service.

The Delta direct flights support important links between Portland and likeminded cities that allow for the exchange of ideas and cultures. While visiting Amsterdam and other nearby European cities, I was able to gather important innovations for our city to improve transportation and energy conservation. Similarly, on my upcoming trip to Japan, we will examine how best to prepare our city for electric vehicles. Direct flights to Asia and Europe create business opportunities across the globe, allowing us to benefit from cutting-edge trends and innovations.  They expose us to a diversity of cultures and connect us to the global community.  When Portlanders travel, they make Portland a better place.

Photo credits: Courtesy of the office of Mayor Sam Adams