Case Study
Following WTCSD trade mission, SAN launches direct flight to Amsterdam
ServiceStrategic Partnerships
ServiceMarketing/Visibility
ServiceExport/Logistics Consulting
ServiceIntelligence/Research
NOVEMBER 2024
Global air connectivity is important for regional economies, with positive impacts on foreign direct investment of up to 33.7 percent seen in the first two years following the introduction of a new direct flight.
Part of an effort to expand access to Europe, San Diego’s new direct flight to Amsterdam promises increased business connectivity to the Netherlands, the #2 market for foreign direct investment into San Diego with investments totaling more than $5.54 billion since 2013.
PARTNERS
THE CHALLENGE
With just two direct flights to Europe (Munich via Lufthansa and London via British Airways), San Diego International Airport (SAN) had long been working to expand access to continental Europe and to hubs that could provide additional connectivity to other major markets.
To explore direct air service offerings, SAN sought high-quality data on economic connectivity between San Diego and the Netherlands, and stronger insight to San Diego’s global business community.
WTCSD SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED
In 2022, WTCSD led a trade mission to the Netherlands with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, California State Senator and former SANDAG Chair Catherine Blakespear, and 30 business, academic, and civic leaders from across the San Diego region. Visting five Dutch cities over the course of four days, the trade mission offered SAN representatives the opportunity to engage with major employers present in both San Diego and the Netherlands, including ASML, Qualcomm, and Philips. Additionally, the trade mission offered SAN the opportunity to meet directly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ leadership to communicate San Diego’s value proposition and continue exploring direct air service between the two regions.
Following the trade mission, WTCSD continued to help SAN engage with Dutch businesses by hosting a delegation of private sector leaders as part of the Dutch government’s Urban Dialogues Series in early 2024, among other forums. And in December 2023, TNO, the Dutch government’s premier applied science research organization, located its first employee in San Diego.
Finally, to continue assessing the growing demand for and impact of direct air service to the Netherlands, WTCSD equipped SAN with accurate and reliable data on international trade and investment via annual surveys of San Diego’s global business community.
VALUE DERIVED
SAN and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will launch a new direct flight between San Diego and Amsterdam, with thrice-weekly service via Boeing 787-9 starting May 2025. Service will comprise 275 seats, including 30 business class and 21 premium economy seats.
This expansion of nonstop air service will help San Diego continue to strengthen relationships with the Dutch market and provide additional connectivity to other major markets in Europe.
“When a community shows up in a city where we are trying to get air service, it makes a huge positive impact on the airline. The airline recognizes that the community will support the flight. Many times, this makes a difference in their decision on where to start service. Thanks to EDC and WTCSD for your part in bringing KLM’s Amsterdam service to San Diego International Airport. It’s been a multi-year effort and we couldn’t have done it without you.”
—Kim Becker, President & CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
“San Diego’s new direct flight to Amsterdam redefines the relationship between our region and the Netherlands. WTCSD’s 2022 trade mission was a key milestone which has resulted not only in this momentous event, but also in other important business successes.”
—Henk Hanselaar, Honorary Consul, Netherlands Honorary Consulate