TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Starlux Airlines launched nonstop flights between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday, per the airline.

The service operates Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays using A350 aircraft, offering a second direct Taiwan-Arizona connection after China Airlines.

Taiwan’s China Airlines began its pioneering Phoenix route on Dec. 3, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with A350-900s, cutting travel time by six hours. Both carriers provide a boost for Taiwanese employees at TSMC's Phoenix semiconductor plant. 

Starlux’s inaugural flight arrived to fanfare from Phoenix officials touting access to the US Southwest for Taiwanese tourists and executives.  

Outbound Starlux flights depart Taipei at times matching China Airlines' 4:30 p.m. schedule, landing Phoenix around 1:35 p.m., while returning planes leave Phoenix at 4 p.m., arriving Taipei at 10:20 p.m. the next day. These routes foster Taiwan's aviation expansion in AI and semiconductor collaboration. 

China Airlines Chair Kao Shing-hwang (高盛煌), Taiwan Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱), and American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene attended China Airlines' debut. Combined, the services promise enhanced economic exchanges and travel between Taiwan and the US.