Korean Air Lines Announces Direct Flights to Seoul Beginning June 2

-- Service to KAL hub means excellent connections to other Asian markets --

The Port of Seattle and Korean Air Lines (KAL) announced today that KAL will begin three-times-per-week service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Seoul-Incheon Airport starting June 2, 2005.

Flights will arrive at Sea-Tac each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 12:05 p.m. Return flights will depart for Seoul at 2:35 p.m. on those days. KAL plans to use a Boeing 777-200 for its new service, which has a capacity for 300 passengers plus crew.

"We are honored that Korean Air Lines has chosen to add Seattle to its route system," said Port of Seattle Commission President Bob Edwards. "We believe this service will be a great convenience to travelers, and will bring significant economic benefits to the entire Seattle area."

According to Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, average international travelers spend an average of more than $2000 during their stays in the U.S.

"Of all the different types of air service, international passenger service brings the most economic benefit to our region," Edwards said.

Officials of KAL added that this new service connects much more than just Seattle and Seoul.

"Seoul-Incheon is a hub airport with very convenient connections to the rest of Asia," said Steve W. Kim, KAL's general manager of marketing for the U.S. region. "Seattle is likewise well-connected to the rest of the United States. This route makes sense for both U.S. and Asian travelers."

Among the most convenient Asian connections from Seoul are KAL flights to Hong Kong, Manila, Saigon and Osaka, Japan.

"We look forward to establishing a positive working relationship with the Port of Seattle and the entire Seattle community," Kim added.

KAL is a member of the SkyTeam Global Alliance, which includes Delta and Northwest Airlines. Passengers on Korean Air Lines can earn frequent flyer miles on Delta or Northwest.

Port of Seattle officials have, for some time, been seeking additional service to the Asian mainland.

"We think Sea-Tac now has very strong service to the Asian market," said Mark Reis, managing director of aviation for the Port. "We think this additional service to Korea will provide very convenient connections for those traveling anywhere in Asia."

Travel continues to grow at Sea-Tac. Last year, 28.8 million passengers traveled through the airport - the most passengers in the history of the airport.

Sea-Tac is also growing physically, with plans to open its expanded Central Terminal and Pacific Marketplace on May 2. In June 2004, Sea-Tac opened its new Gina Marie Lindsey Arrivals Hall as well as the rebuilt Concourse A with 14 new gates, $1.8 million public art, and improved concessions. Sea-Tac's third runway is on track to open in late 2008.

KAL is the largest airline in South Korea, serving 90 cities in 33 countries. It was founded in 1969 by the Hanjin Group, which includes Hanjin Shipping, a major seaport customer of the Port of Seattle. KAL ranks number three in the world in cargo handling volume, and is one of the world's top 20 airlines measured by revenue.