Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines to launch first Asia route from Phoenix in 2026

STARLUX Airlines, the youngest of Taiwan’s three international carriers, plans to start direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport (TPE) next year. 

This is the first nonstop air service to Asia for Arizona, the City of Phoenix announced in a statement on May 20, 2025. The service, pending final government approval, will start in early 2026, offering three to four flights weekly on an A350-900 plane with 306 seats. 

“Phoenix’s first non-stop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we’ve made with our local economy, and our emergence as an international city,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “TSMC’s historic investment in Phoenix has brought thousands of high wage jobs and boosted our reputation as a semiconductor hub, and now it’s helping increase air service demand.” 

The announcement follows the largest foreign investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which plans to invest $165 billion in its facilities in Phoenix. 

STARLUX Airlines was founded in 2018 by Captain Kuo-Wei (K.W.) Chang, the former chairman of EVA Air. The airline began operations in 2020. 

“I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that STARLUX should make the investment to fly here,” Chairman K.W. Chang said. “Not only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it’s a perfect match for our level of service.” 

Phoenix international flights contribute more than $3 billion to the local economy annually, according to the latest economic impact study from the airport. This service alone is estimated to have a $100 million plus economic impact each year. The post Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines to launch first Asia route from Phoenix in 2026 appeared first on AeroTime.

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