STARLUX Airlines, the youngest of Taiwan’s three international carriers, is gearing up to launch direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport (TPE) in the upcoming year. This landmark move marks Arizona's first nonstop air connection to Asia, proudly revealed by the City of Phoenix in a recent announcement. Pending final government approvals, the new route is set to commence in early 2026, treating travelers to three to four weekly flights aboard an A350-900 aircraft equipped with 306 seats.

Expressing her excitement, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego remarked, “Phoenix’s inaugural non-stop flight to Asia mirrors the remarkable progress we've achieved with our local economy, firmly establishing us as a global metropolis. TSMC’s monumental investment in Phoenix has not only ushered in thousands of high-paying jobs but has also solidified our reputation as a semiconductor epicenter, further propelling the demand for air services.”

This significant development comes on the heels of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) setting a record-breaking investment of $165 billion in its Phoenix facilities. STARLUX Airlines, helmed by the visionary Captain Kuo-Wei (K.W.) Chang, former chairman of EVA Air and founder of the airline in 2018, commenced operations in 2020. Sharing his insights, Chairman K.W. Chang emphasized, “Upon setting foot in Phoenix, I had no doubt STARLUX should invest in serving this route. The exponential growth in business ties between Taipei and Phoenix is truly astounding, aligning perfectly with the top-notch service we aim to deliver.”

According to the latest economic analysis from the airport, Phoenix's international flights contribute over $3 billion annually to the local economy. This new service alone is anticipated to generate an economic impact exceeding $100 million each year, further solidifying Phoenix's position on the global aviation map. With this exciting development on the horizon, both business and leisure travelers can look forward to seamless connectivity between these vibrant destinations.