PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Officials welcomed a new nonstop STARLUX Airlines flight on Thursday as it flew in from East Asia and touched down in the Valley of the Sun.
The flight arrived from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with a welcoming sunset. It came just a month after China Airlines launched the same route.
STARLUX Airlines will use a new-generation Airbus A350 aircraft featuring 306 seats, offering first class, business class, premium economy, and economy options, and operates three weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Starting in March 2026, that will increase to four weekly flights, with a Saturday departure added.
STARLUX Airlines has started non-stop flights between Taipei and Phoenix.(DUSTIN LOFTIS | The City of Phoenix)
The nonstop flight was first announced in May 2025, and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says it’s been a longtime coming.
“STARLUX was the first to commit to ending Phoenix being the only major American city without non-stop service to and from Asia,” Gallego said in a written statement. “STARLUX’s new service between Phoenix and Taipei opens the door to expanded tourism, stronger business relationships, and new opportunities for companies looking to invest in our fast-growing and vibrant region.”
Phoenix international flights add more than $3 billion to the local economy each year. This flight service alone is estimated to generate almost $170 million annually statewide, Gallego said in a news release.
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