Small Business Today Magazine MAY 2014 CUSTOMIZED REAL STATE SERVICES | Page 16

EDITORIALFEATURE

Expansion

of Korean Air                      
By Mayor Annise D. Parker

T

he good news surrounding international air
service in Houston continues as the leaders of Korean Air have made the decision
to expand their route schedule at George
Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) even before
the arrival of their inaugural flight.  The flight between Houston and Incheon International Airport (ICN) was originally slated to feature four
flights per week but airline officials made an early
determination that the Houston market can fully
support daily service between the two destinations.  As a result, effective May 2, 2014, Houston
passengers will have a choice of seven departures
per week.
We welcome this exciting news from our partners with Korean Air.  This early expansion is a
clear indication that Houston’s vibrant and diverse
economy is presenting some extraordinary business opportunities for international air carriers
based in markets around the world.  Korean Air
recognizes these opportunities and is fully vested in capitalizing on them.  We agree with their
assessment and are excited about the new daily
service.  Obviously, the city’s air passengers are
feeling the same way.
The news from Korean Air is the latest in a
string of announcements that have come over
the past year regarding expanded international air
service for the six million residents living in the
Houston region.  In less than a year’s time, Houston Airport System leaders have either marked
or announced the arrival of three new international carriers and all three airlines have increased
the number of flights available to passengers over
their original operation:
• Turkish Airlines:  The remarkable series of
launches began in April 2013 when Turkish
Airlines operated its first flight between Intercontinental Airport Houston (IAH) and
Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST). 
Originally featuring four flights per week, the
14 SMALL BUSINESS TODAY MAGAZINE [ MAY 2014 ]

service is now enhanced to offer seven departures per week.
• Air China:  In July 2013, more than 10 years
of hard work has finally paid off with the arrival of Air China and its nonstop service to
Beijing’s Capital International Airport (PEK). 
Launched with five weekly flights, airline officials moved to daily service within eight
months, the ]ZX