Taiwan-based carrier plans to connect Phoenix with Taipei in early 2025, strengthening ties as semiconductor giant TSMC expands its massive Arizona investment.
PHOENIX â Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines plans to launch the first-ever nonstop air service between Phoenix and Asia early next year, connecting Arizona’s capital with Taipei in a move tied to Taiwan’s growing semiconductor investments in the region.
The airline will offer up to four weekly flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport pending final government approvals, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced recently. The carrier will deploy its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which features 306 seats, on the new transpacific route.
“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,” Gallego said. “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 new service comes as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) moves forward with plans to invest $165 billion in its Phoenix facilities, representing the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. This massive development is expected to generate significant passenger demand between Phoenix and Taiwan.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Aviation Director Chad Makovsky called the route announcement “a significant win for Phoenix” that adds to the airport’s continued growth as an international gateway.
STARLUX currently operates daily flights to three West Coast destinations â Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle â with its A350-900 aircraft. The carrier will add service to Ontario, California on June 2, which at 5,934 nautical miles will become its longest route, slightly surpassing the Taipei-Los Angeles distance by 0.47%.
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, STARLUX’s U.S. schedule for July includes 45 flights to Los Angeles, 31 each to Seattle and San Francisco, and 17 to Ontario.
Beyond its West Coast focus, STARLUX is reportedly considering expansion to several other U.S. cities, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
While Phoenix already connects with several international destinations in Canada, Europe, and Latin America, it has lacked direct service to Asia. The airport has seen significant growth in international traffic, with Air France recently increasing its Phoenix-Paris service to five times weekly.
The new STARLUX route comes during a period of record growth for Phoenix Sky Harbor. The airport set an all-time passenger record in 2024, handling more than 52.3 million passengers â a 7.5% increase from the previous year and the first time the airport surpassed 50 million annual passengers. The airport also welcomed two new airlines in 2024: Air France and Porter.
Tickets for the new Phoenix-Taipei flights will go on sale once the route receives final government approval.
Key Takeaways
- STARLUX Airlines plans to launch Phoenix’s first nonstop flight to Asia, connecting with Taipei up to four times weekly starting in early 2025.
- The route announcement comes amid Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s $165 billion investment in Phoenix facilities.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport set a new passenger record in 2024 with over 52.3 million travelers, a 7.5% increase from the previous year.
- STARLUX currently serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and will add Ontario, California in June, with plans to expand beyond the West Coast.
