Houston’s international reach has grown over the years, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) now has nonstop or direct international service to nearly 70 destinations.

With a recent announcement, Continental Airlines will add even more value to the Houston market by doubling nonstop services to Frankfurt.

When Continental begins operating daily nonstop flights to Frankfurt, they will join German airline Lufthansa, who has been operating daily nonstop service on the route for many years.

“Frankfurt is an important European hub, and Continental’s new service to the market will enhance Houston’s global reach,” says Rick Vacar, Houston Airport System director. “Lufthansa has served the Houston-Frankfurt market for many years, and Continental’s planned service will improve options available to customers of Bush Intercontinental Airport.”

Pending government approval, the service is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2009. Flights will depart Houston at 6:50 p.m. and arrive in Frankfurt at 11:40 a.m. the next morning.

The return flights will depart Frankfurt daily at 1:40 p.m. and arrive in Houston at 5:50 p.m. the same day.

"We are pleased to add Frankfurt to the list of international cities we serve from Houston," said Jim Compton, executive vice president of marketing. "In addition to providing a link to the financial center of Germany, the Houston to Frankfurt route will provide convenient onward connections for travelers from throughout the Americas to points in Europe, Asia and Africa."

Continental will fly the route with Boeing 767-200 aircraft, seating 25 passengers in BusinessFirst and 149 in coach.

If the route does get approved by the government, Frankfurt will become Continental’s fourth European city served out of Houston. The airline already offers nonstop flights to London (LHR), Paris (CDG), and Amsterdam (AMS).