Air China Continues Expansion in North America with New Nonstop Houston-Beijing Service

-- New service makes Houston the first gateway for direct connection to China in Texas and in the South Central Region of the United States --

HOUSTON, Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Zhihang Chi, Air China's Vice President and General Manager for North America, announced Air China's new nonstop service between Houston and Beijing, pending government approval, in a joint press conference with the Houston Airport System today.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080625/CNW017LOGO)

Houston Mayor Annise Parker welcomed the news.

"Houston is honored to be the newest global gateway for Air China as our international growth depends on strong relationships worldwide," said Mayor Annise Parker. "This new direct route to China will ensure our success in growing the Texas regional economy and strengthen the global ties to our trade partners in China."

Air China, China's exclusive national flag carrier, is scheduled to operate the round-trip Beijing to Houston route on a new generation Boeing 777-300ER beginning Thursday, July 11, 2013, pending approval from the United States Department of Transportation.

Starting with four flights a week, the nonstop flight will depart from Beijing at 3 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 a.m the following day.

Houston will be Air China's fifth gateway in North America in addition to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. China's national flag carrier continues its investment in the Americas with new nonstop services, product upgrades and increase in flight frequencies.

About Air China

Air China is the world's largest airline by market capitalization, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It operates a fleet of 432 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Its robust network of 289 routes extends throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South and North America from its main hub at Beijing Capital International Airport where it offers unrivaled connections to cities within China and beyond. As a Star Alliance member, Air China has within its reach 1,356 destinations in 193 countries. Visit www.airchina.us or call Air China's North America Call Center at 800-882-8122 for more information.

About Houston Airports

The Houston Airport System served 50 million passengers in 2012. Houston's three airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) contribute $27.5 billion to the regional economy. Visit fly2houston.com and follow us @HobbyAirport and @IAH.