Air China has announced a new non-stop service between Houston in the United States and Beijing, pending government approval.

The news was welcomed by Houston mayor Annise Parker, who said: “Houston is honoured to be the newest global gateway for Air China as our international growth depends on strong relationships worldwide.”

Parker added: “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 11th, 2013, pending approval from the United States Department of Transportation.

Starting with four flights a week, the non-stop flight will depart from Beijing at 15:00 and land in Houston on the same day at 15:30.

Outbound, it is scheduled to leave Houston at 01:40 the next day, arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport at 05:00 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.