Our new consul general from Japan asked me recently what has changed most in Portland in the past 50 years. I answered that it is the increase in international trade that has brought Portland and the surrounding economy into the 21^st-century global economy.  Intel, Nike, Columbia Sportswear, adidas, Vestas, Solar World and so many other global companies are vital to our economy. One of the most important factors that enables these companies to locate in our region is our connectivity, both domestic and international.

One factor that is critical to keeping and growing our economy is our nonstop service to Asia and Europe. Having this service is like having an interstate highway instead of a two-lane country road connecting us to the rest of the world. We lost our only nonstop international flight in 2001 when Delta halted its daily Portland-Tokyo service. The loss was a devastating blow to our economy. Since that time, we have been fortunate to regain Delta’s daily nonstop to Tokyo, and that same flight connects us to 12 other Asian cities. Delta also has added new daily service to Amsterdam that connects us to more than 50 cities in Europe and beyond.

On a more personal note, I am able to take advantage of these flights to visit Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Bangkok. One of my dreams is to travel with my grandson to these cities and others – London, Paris, Prague and Vienna.

We must all support our nonstop service and keep our regional economy fully engaged in the global marketplace or we will lose this convenience and connectivity. If you are traveling to Asia or Europe, fly nonstop from PDX and do your part to keep our economy healthy.

Blogging is new to me, but I’m doing it to tell you how important it is to Fly Nonstop. I do.

Sho Dozono
Co-Chair, International Air Service Committee
President & CEO, Azumano Travel

Photo credit: Tokyo Tower, MR+G