TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The first direct flight between Phoenix in the US and Taipei was launched this week by Taiwan’s China Airlines.

The CI1036 route will offer flights from Arizona to Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport and back three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, per a China Airlines press release.

The inaugural flight, was almost fully booked when it departed Taiwan at 4:31 p.m. on Wednesday. China Airlines Chair Kao Shing-Hwang (高星潢), American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene and Transportation Minister Chen Chih-kai (陳世凱) were all in attendance to celebrate the new route, reported CNA.

After arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the return flight departed 4:30 p.m. Arizona time. The new route was described as a “bridge between two regions” by Phoenix City Councilman Kevin Robinson, who was aboard the Airbus A350-900, reported AZ Central.

The flight time between Taipei and Phoenix is about 12 hours. With no need to transit the travel time between the regions is reduced by about six hours.

Arizona is currently developing its technological sector with help from TSMC, which has pledged investments of around NT$5.15 trillion (US$165 billion) in the state. The semiconductor manufacturer recently opened its new fab in Arizona, which helped draw a record number of Taiwanese to work in the US last month. 

The increase in bilateral trade and exchange between Arizona and Taiwan will see greater demand for convenient travel options in the years ahead. Previously, the Taiwanese airline Starlux also announced a non-stop flight route between Taipei and Phoenix, set to launch on Jan. 15.