Before this route was established, travelers would have had to make multiple stops and possibly switch carriers in order to travel between China and Panama. In anticipation of this international alliance, Air China's new route officially launched on April 5, departing from Beijing (PEK) and stopping in Houston (IAH) before continuing on to Panama City (PTY). IntroductionĪs mentioned in my business-class review of the reciprocal flight, China and Panama will begin negotiations for a free trade deal this upcoming June. After the inaugural run to Panama City, I turned right around and flew on the same plane right back to Houston - this time in economy. Last week, I reviewed the business-class experience on Air China's new fifth-freedom route between Houston (IAH) and Panama City (PTY).
