Air China is expanding in the USA and Canada

Air China expands its operations at Northern American airports

A new nonstop service between Houston's George Bush Airport and Beijing Airport has been announced by Dr. Zhihang Chi, Air China’s Vice President and General Manager for North America.

The Vice President believes that Houston is a perfect gateway for Air China.  Houston Airport offers the most convenient connections to China and beyond for passengers from Texas and other Southern states.

Houston's Mayor, Annise Parker expressed her feelings about the importance of strong international relationships, furthermore stressed that the decision of Air China is an honor for Houston. The Mayor predicts an economical growth thanks to the new connection with China.

Consul General in Houston, Erwen Xu also welcomed the new flight. She mentoned that Houston has always had an important role between the US-Chinese connections - the first Consulate General in the US was the one in Houston, opened in 1979, just after the visit of Deng Xiaoping, China’s late leader. Madame Xu beleives in a stronger tie between the two nations thanks to the new flights.

Air China, China's exclusive flag carrier, plans to use one of its new generation Boeing 777-300ER for the round-trip Beijing to Houston. First take off scheduled for July 11, 2013.

The company has seen a steady growth of air travel between Houston and China in recent years. The new scheduled passenger flight is a logical step by Air China - said Mr. Jianjiang Cai , Air China’s President and Executive Director.

Air China will operate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) from Terminal D. Terminal D is the gateway for all foreign flag carriers.

“We offer a Texas-sized welcome to Air China on the new flights to Bush Intercontinental" said Mario C. Diaz, Director of the Houston Airport System. He expressed his great belief in the importance of the direct connection with China, stressing the tremendous benefits to the region.

Air China will start with four flights a week. The nonstop flight will depart from Beijing at 3:00 p.m. and land in Houston on the same day at 3:30 p.m. Outbound, it is scheduled to leave Houston at 1:40 a.m. the next day, arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport at 5:00 a.m the following day.

Houston will be Air China’s fifth gateway in North America, after New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

China’s national flag carrier continues its marching in North America: from March 31, 2013, the New York-Beijing flight will increase from 7 to 11 per week and the aircraft will be upgraded to the new B777-300ER; the company will resume its double daily flights on the Los Angeles-Beijing route; Vancouver-Beijing is scheduled to increase from 7 to 11 flights per week from May 17, 2013. the daily San Francisco-Beijing will be upgraded with a bigger B747-400 as of March 31, 2013.

© transfers2airports.com
January 21, 2013