Air China has launched its four weekly nonstop services between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Beijing, China and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.

With the launch of the nonstop service, Houston becomes Air China’s fifth gateway in North America, joining Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Vancouver. Air China will operate inside Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston’s gateway for all foreign carriers.

“As the only airline that provides direct connection between Houston and the south central region of the United States and China via Beijing, we are honored to be the cultural, social and economic bridge between our two great destinations. This new service demonstrates Air China’s commitment to expanded connectivity for the mutual benefits of our countries and people,” Ms. Yinxiang Wang, Co-Chairwoman of Air China Limited stated.

Houston and Beijing have enjoyed a strong relationship for several decades. China’s paramount leader, the late Deng Xiaoping, visited Houston during his historic trip to the United States in 1979.

“The entire Houston region will benefit from this new Air China flight, both economically and from a cultural standpoint,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz. “Four weekly nonstop flights between the two destinations will not only strengthen the business ties between Houston and Beijing but will also enhance the level of cultural enrichment and exchange that already exists between these two dynamic cities.”

Air China will operate the nonstop flights, CA 996, from Houston to Beijing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing at 1:00 AM local time and arriving in Beijing at 4:50 AM local time, next day. The chart below shows the schedule of the new service.