The International Air Service Committee (IASC) was established by the mayors of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, to advance international connectivity for the region. Comprising leaders from the business, travel, and community sectors, the committee’s mission is to recruit and sustain nonstop international air service between Portland International Airport (PDX) and key global markets—including Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Canada.
The IASC is co-chaired by:
Nonstop international connections are a cornerstone of the region’s economic vitality—supporting local jobs, attracting foreign direct investment, and bolstering the global tourism economy. To illustrate the impact: a single year-round transoceanic flight can contribute over $100 million annually to the regional economy.
Thanks in large part to the IASC’s advocacy, Portland has evolved from having no transoceanic passenger service in 2001 to being served by four airlines with nonstop flights to Europe in 2025. Moving forward, the committee’s top priorities include establishing nonstop service to Asia and expanding routes to Canada, Mexico and Latin America.
The IASC represents a united front across public and private sectors - demonstrating to global carriers that Portland offers a robust and sustainable market for international air service. Through strategic partnerships and direct engagement with airlines, the committee remains committed to both the recruitment and long-term retention of international routes that support the region’s growth and global reach.
Members of the IASC are asked to be informal “ambassadors” to the larger community, promoting the importance of flying on PDX’s nonstop international flights, to help ensure their continued success.