樱花动漫

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has announced that STARLUX Airlines plans to launch new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan. 

The announcement came during Gallego鈥檚 annual State of the City Address. The route will mark the first direct air connection between Phoenix鈥攁nd the entire state of Arizona鈥攁nd Asia. Service is expected to begin early next year, operating three to four times weekly, pending final regulatory approvals.

鈥淚 knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that STARLUX should make the investment to fly here,鈥� Chairman K.W. Chang said. 鈥淣ot only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it鈥檚 a perfect match for our level of service. We are proud and honored to be the first carrier to provide nonstop Asia service for the Phoenix community.鈥� 

The move comes amid growing economic ties between Arizona and Taiwan, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company鈥檚 historic $165 billion investment in its Phoenix operations鈥攖he largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.

鈥淧hoenix鈥檚 first non-stop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we鈥檝e made with our local economy, and our emergence as an international city,鈥� Gallego said. 鈥淭SMC鈥檚 historic investment in Phoenix has brought thousands of high wage jobs and boosted our reputation as a semiconductor hub, and now it鈥檚 helping increase air service demand.鈥�

The airline, founded by aviation pioneer and former EVA Air chairman Captain Kuo-Wei (K.W.) Chang, will initially operate the Phoenix-Taipei route using an Airbus A350-900, featuring 306 seats.

鈥淚 am thrilled that STARLUX Airlines has chosen Phoenix Sky Harbor as its newest destination,鈥� Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. 鈥淭his significant win for Phoenix and our entire region is a testament to the vision and dedication of Mayor Gallego and our City Council as they support the continued growth and modernization of our airport to serve as a top-tier international gateway.鈥�

According to Sky Harbor鈥檚 latest economic impact report, international flights contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy. This new Phoenix-Taipei route alone is projected to generate over $100 million in economic benefits each year. 

Ticket sales are expected to begin once regulatory approvals are finalized.