Air China launches nonstop flights between Beijing and Houston (2)

Yao Ming (L), former Chinese basketball superstar and goodwill ambassador for the U.S. city of Houston, boards on a plane to experience Air China's first direct flight to Houston, the United States, from Beijing, in Beijing, China, July 11, 2013. Air China, China's flagship air carrier, launched nonstop flights between Beijing and Houston on July 11, and is scheduled to operate four roundtrip flights every week. (Xinhua/Fu Qi)