Travel Oregon has awarded US$ 4.5 million to the Port of Portland through its 2026 Competitive Grants Programme to support the restoration of year-round, nonstop air service between Portland International Airport and Asia.
The award forms part of a larger airline recruitment package designed to reduce start-up risk for carriers establishing a new route and building demand on the corridor.
The grant reflects the strategic importance of direct Asia connectivity to Oregon’s tourism and trade economy.
Asia is expected to represent the highest international visitor spend for the Pacific Northwest region by 2029, making a nonstop link a long-term platform for sustainable growth in international visitation and visitor expenditure, as well as broader economic opportunity and year-round employment across the state.
Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland, described PDX as Oregon’s gateway to the world and framed the restoration of nonstop Asia service as bringing new visitors, expanding market access and cementing Oregon’s position as a world-class destination for travel and business.
He expressed gratitude for Travel Oregon’s investment in the vision and commitment to introducing more international travellers to Oregon.
The remaining US$ 500,000 of the US$ 5 million competitive grants programme was awarded to a second project as part of Travel Oregon’s broader commitment to fostering visitor experiences and stimulating Oregon’s economy through increased overnight visitation.
