PORTLAND, OR -- At a press conference at the World Trade Center in Portland Wednesday, Governor John Kitzhaber, city officials and business leaders announced plans for a new nonstop air cargo service to Asia. Starting September 2nd, Asiana will bring its all-cargo service aboard a Boeing 747 freighter, departing PDX Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to Korea. Nonstop air cargo service from Portland will provide local businesses and shippers faster transit times, competitive pricing, reduced damage to cargo because of less handling, and cost savings. Kitzhaber said this new service will help the state better reach the Korea, Japan and China markets, add jobs and create roughly $27 million in annual business activity.

"In a business world where success is measured in seconds, this new efficient cargo servce will help state and regional businesses be much more competitive in an global economy."

International trade, including imports and exports, supports more than 470,000 jobs in Oregon. Nike and Intel are both some of the many local companies that have a manufacturing or business presence in Asia. The new route also allows the transportation of seasonal perishable cargo like Oregon blueberries, cherries, Dungeness crab and oysters.