Air China flies to Houston
Air China is continuing its expansion in North America with the launch of a new direct service between Beijing and Houston.
The new route is still subject to government approval, but is due to commence on 11 June 2013. Air China will operate the route four times a week using a new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Flights will depart Beijing’s Capital airport at 1500, landing at Houston’s George Bush airport at 1530 the same day. The return service will leave Houston at 0140, arriving back into Beijing at 0500 the following day.
“With its vibrant business communities and fast-growing diverse population, Houston is a perfect choice for an additional gateway for Air China. It offers the most convenient connections to China and beyond for our passengers from Texas and other neighbouring states,” said Dr Zhihang Chi, Air China’s Vice President & General Manager for North America.
Houston will be Air China’s fifth gateway in North America, following New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. The launch comes at a time when Air China is boosting its North American services. On 31 March 2013, the New York route will increase from seven to 11 flights per week, while the aircraft used will be upgraded to the new B777-300ER. Air China’s LA service, which also uses the B777-300ER, will resume its double daily frequency on 31 March 2013, shortly after the Vancouver service is increased from seven to 11 weekly flights on 17 May 2013. A larger B747-400 aircraft will be used to operate the daily San Francisco service from 31 March 2013.