With an average annual temperature ranging in the mid-70’s and some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world, it’s not surprising that Rio de Janeiro has earned the nickname “The Marvelous City.” It’s also not surprising that this type of moniker leads thousands of Houstonians to literally “test the waters” for themselves each and every year. Now, with a major announcement coming from Continental Airlines, making that dream getaway a reality could be getting even easier in the very near future. Continental has filed an application with the Department of Transportation (DOT) asking to operate daily, year-round service between Rio and its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport. The service would begin in June 2009 and would feature the airline’s Boeing 767-200 aircraft, offering passengers 25 seats to choose from in BusinessFirst class and another 149 in economy. "The Houston Airport System supports the growth of international service at Bush Intercontinental for Continental Airlines," said Rick Vacar. "The strong demand for flights to and from Latin America will continue to be a trend we welcome." But the ties between Rio and Houston go well beyond sunshine and picturesque landscapes.

Rio de Janeiro may soon be easily accessible via Houston all year around.

The business connections between the two locales have also blossomed into a partnership that has become incredibly beneficial for both cities.

Mutual ties in the oil and gas industry have translated into a dramatic increase in the numbers surrounding corporate travel, while agricultural ties have also led to strong demand for daily, nonstop air service between the two destinations.

Rio ranks second nationally in industrial production and is also a major financial and service center.

“We are seeing solid demand, especially by our corporate customers, for daily flights between Houston and Rio,” said John Slater, Continental’s staff vice president Latin America and Caribbean sales. “These two important oil centers will benefit from the enhanced service that we’ve proposed.”

In fact, the number of passengers traveling between Rio de Janeiro and Bush Intercontinental has already been remarkably strong, even in the absence of nonstop service.

Continental Airlines has been offering seasonal service, with three flights per day traveling through Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, with continuing service on to Rio. The strong numbers from this seasonal service is certainly a catalyst in prompting Continental to apply for a daily, nonstop route.

This type of synergy is not surprising for those who already know that Brazil is Houston’s top air cargo trade partner in the America’s, surpassing even Mexico and Argentina. That trade involves items ranging from industrial equipment, to bedding, furniture and lamps.

This integral partnership is just part of the reason why managers with the Houston Airport System were so anxious to offer Continental Airlines their backing throughout the application process, immediately sending a letter to the Department of Transportation voicing their full support for the airlines plans for the new nonstop.

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