Air China Expands Nonstop Houston-Beijing Service To Daily

--Increase in frequency for the route comes less than a year after its inaugural flight on July 11, 2013--

HOUSTON, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eight months after China's exclusive national flag carrier launched its nonstop flight between Houston (IAH) and Beijing (PEK), the Houston Airport System and Air China announced today the increase in frequency for this route from four times weekly to daily service starting March 30, 2014.

"The city of Houston welcomes this exciting news from our partners at Air China," said Houston Mayor Annise Parker.  "This flight connects two of the most dynamic cities found anywhere in the world and the arrival of daily service will make that connection even stronger moving forward."

Operated by the environment-friendly B777-300ER, this expansion shows Air China's commitment to the Houston market and its goal of building greater connectivity between the United States and China.  The service is also an important link between Mexico, China and Asia. 

"Strong demand from business and leisure travelers to China and destinations in Asia has accelerated the implementation of our growth strategy for Houston and the south central region of the United States," Dr. Zhihang Chi, Air China's Vice President for North America, stated.  "The additional flights will provide more options and flexibility to international travelers, allowing them to have more convenient connections to cities within China and beyond via our Beijing hub."

Houston's vibrant economy and cultural diversity have played an important role in Air China's decision to enter the Houston market in 2013 and expand its footprint in the city and the region as a whole.

"We were very confident that the Houston-Beijing route would do well, primarily because of the strong economic and cultural ties that exist between the two destinations," says Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz.  "We knew that the demand existed and we knew that Air China was capable of developing a strong, personal connection with the people of Houston."

Schedule for the Houston-Beijing service: 

All times are local and in a 24-hour format.  "+1" stands for next-day arrival

Air China continues its expansion and product upgrades in other cities in North America.  On March 31, 2014, Air China will increase the frequency for its nonstop New York (JFK)-Beijing (PEK) service from 11 per week to double daily.  The aircraft for its nonstop San Francisco (SFO)-Beijing flights will be upgraded to the new-generation B777-300ER on February 11, 2014.

In June 2014, Air China will launch its nonstop Washington DC (IAD)-Beijing service.

Outside of the continental USA, Air China's nonstop service between Honolulu (HNL) and Beijing is scheduled to start on January 21, 2014.  

Air China's B777-300ER offers first, business and economy seats. First and business class cabins feature 180-degree flat-bed seats. All cabins have individual entertainment system with audio-video-on-demand (AVOD) and in-seat USB port. Configured for maximum passenger comfort and safety, all seats are more spacious than the average pitch for international airlines. 

SOURCE Houston Airport System