Northwest connects Seattle-Beijing

Northwest Airlines’ list of international destinations served from its gates at Seattle Tacoma International Airport in Washington State is set to increase as the airline has announced new flight routes, the most important being a direct flight to China’s capital, Beijing. This new route has been long sought after by airlines leaving Seattle, and with this new route Northwest becomes the first US carrier with a direct flight between Seattle and China.

There is no such luxury as an open skies agreement between the US and China, making it difficult to open up new routes, as bilateral flight agreements come with restrictions. Flights are awarded at a federal level, which usually involves airlines competing and the route being awarded to the highest bidder.

Northwest is doing what it can to strencthen its position in Seattle, as it now offers direct flights to Tokyo Narita International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol. From June 1st, Northwest will also add a direct flight to London Heathrow.