Icelandair opens Seattle-Reykjavic service in July

SEATTLE — At a time when many airlines are cutting international flights, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has picked up a new carrier.

Airport officials say Islandair will begin four-times-a-week service between Seattle and Reykjavik on July 22.

That’s nine days before the end of flights between Seattle and Copenhagen on SAS, which is pulling out of the market after 42 years of service at Sea-Tac. The result is that Icelandair will be the only Nordic carrier serving the West Coast.

Icelandair plans to use a 183-seat Boeing 757-200ER for the 7½-hour flights.

Many airlines have cut back during the economic tailspin, especially on international routes, but an Icelandair spokesman says the company sees a good opportunity in the Pacific Northwest.