Air China Limited announced Air China's new nonstop service between Houston and Beijing, pending government approval. Air China 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. By selecting Houston, Air China will benefit from a strong international community with many business and leisure passengers who use Intercontinental as a global gateway.

Air China will operate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) from Terminal D, which is the gateway for all foreign flag carriers into the city in the United States. Houston is a leader in the Americas for excellent facilitation of international visitors in a Federal Inspection Services facility.