China Airlines Expands US Reach With New Phoenix Service And Southwest Partnership

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Sunday, July 27, 2025

China Airlines is establishing a significant new connection between Asia and the American Southwest with its first-ever Taipei–Phoenix route, scheduled to launch December 3, 2025. In making this courageous move, Phoenix has not only affirmed itself as a new gateway for Asia, but has further consolidated China Airlines’ expanding presence in Trans-Pacific aviation. Connecting Taiwan to virgin air territory and partnered seamlessly with Southwest Airlines for travel within the US, the airline is in turn connecting an undiscovered region within Asia-Pacific to Taiwan—ushering in a new era of exchange between the two regions, both in terms of travel and commerce, as well as culturally and beyond.

China Airlines to Launch New Taipei–Phoenix Route in December, Marking a Major Milestone in U.S. Network Expansion

In a landmark move redefining Asia–US air travel, China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan’s flagship carrier and a key SkyTeam alliance member, has announced the launch of a pioneering route that will directly connect the vibrant capital of Taipei with the rising desert metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona—marking a historic first in transpacific connectivity. This strategic move, set to begin on December 3, 2025, will mark the first-ever direct air link between Phoenix and the Asia-Pacific region, opening up significant travel and trade possibilities between the two markets.

Strengthening CAL’s North American Presence

With the addition of Phoenix to its growing list of North American destinations, CAL continues to expand its trans-Pacific footprint. The new route will become the airline’s seventh destination in North America, complementing its existing services to New York, Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver. Currently operating 40 round-trip flights per week across North America, CAL’s entry into Phoenix aims to deepen connectivity and bolster U.S.-Asia travel demand as global aviation continues its recovery.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details

The new Taipei–Phoenix route will operate three times per week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Departures from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) are scheduled at 10:55 AM, arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at 8:00 AM on the same day, thanks to the time difference. On the return leg, the inbound flight from Phoenix will make a stopover in Los Angeles before continuing on to Taipei—a minor detour that still ensures passenger convenience while optimizing aircraft logistics.

The service will be operated using CAL’s Airbus A350-900, a state-of-the-art aircraft offering a three-class configuration—Premium Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Engineered for next-generation performance, the Airbus A350 delivers unmatched range, whisper-quiet cabins, and an elevated inflight experience that sets a new benchmark in long-haul aviation—making it the ultimate aircraft to power China Airlines’ ambitious leap across the Pacific.

Direct Competition with STARLUX Airlines

The CAL announcement comes just weeks before STARLUX Airlines, another major Taiwanese carrier, is set to debut its own Taipei–Phoenix route in January 2026. STARLUX will also operate the route three times a week using an Airbus A350-900, but with a key operational difference: its flights will run nonstop in both directions, unlike CAL’s one-way Los Angeles stopover on the return.

This direct competition between two Taiwanese carriers on a previously untapped U.S. route signals the growing demand and strategic importance of the Phoenix market. While both airlines are catering to similar passenger segments, their partnership networks differ: CAL has teamed up with Southwest Airlines, while STARLUX has established a relationship with Alaska Airlines for onward connections in the U.S.

Why Phoenix?

Commonly known as “The Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix is not just Arizona’s capital but also its largest city. With over 1.6 million residents, it’s one of the fastest-growing urban hubs in the United States. Beyond its economic clout, Phoenix is a major tourist gateway to iconic Southwestern natural attractions like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.

The city’s primary airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, serves as a crucial domestic hub, particularly for Southwest Airlines, which operates more than 30 flights per hour during peak travel times. CAL’s strategic alliance with Southwest will significantly enhance passenger transfer options across the United States, especially for those traveling to and from smaller cities that lack international service.

A Boost to Trade, Tourism, and Business

CAL’s new service is expected to have a considerable economic impact on both Taiwan and the U.S. Southwest. Direct air links are crucial enablers of international trade, and Phoenix—with its growing technology, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors—offers promising opportunities for business exchanges.

Additionally, the route will make it easier for Taiwanese tourists to explore the American Southwest, while also attracting more U.S. travelers and businesspeople to Taiwan, a global hub for semiconductors, electronics, and cultural tourism.

This new connection also complements Taiwan’s efforts to deepen its international footprint and support bilateral ties with major U.S. cities outside the traditional coastal gateways.

Enhancing Connectivity Through Airline Partnerships

A significant feature of CAL’s Phoenix launch is its interline partnership with Southwest Airlines, the largest domestic airline in the U.S. by network size. Through this collaboration, CAL passengers arriving in Phoenix can easily continue their journeys to over 100 destinations across the U.S., all under a single booking.

This seamless transfer model reduces layover times and baggage hassles while enhancing customer experience, particularly for long-haul travelers connecting to interior U.S. cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Austin.

In comparison, STARLUX’s U.S. domestic connectivity is built around Alaska Airlines, which also operates an expansive network out of Phoenix, especially along the West Coast. This competitive dynamic provides passengers with multiple options and increases Phoenix’s visibility as a truly global hub.

Looking Ahead

China Airlines’ entry into Phoenix signals a powerful expansion push, elevating its influence across the Pacific aviation corridor. As travel between Asia and North America continues to rebound, CAL’s continued investment in new markets signals a robust post-pandemic recovery strategy.

By tapping into underserved cities like Phoenix, CAL not only diversifies its route portfolio but also strengthens Taiwan’s role in the global aviation network. The move also reflects broader trends in the airline industry, where secondary U.S. cities are gaining prominence as viable international gateways, thanks to population growth, economic development, and airport infrastructure improvements.

With direct Taipei–Phoenix service now available from China Airlines, this marks a milestone for Asia–U. S. air travel. In addition to offering new access to the American Southwest for travelers in Taiwan, it will greatly enhance connectivity to the Arizona capital. With the rivalry between STARLUX and CAL heating up, passengers are likely to enjoy better service, more choices, and more seamless connections on either side of the Pacific.

China Airlines is launching direct Taipei–Phoenix flights to bridge a critical gap in trans-Pacific travel, marking Phoenix’s first-ever air link to Asia. The move strengthens Taiwan–US connectivity and expands China Airlines’ reach into underserved American markets.

With direct Taipei–Phoenix service now available from China Airlines, this marks a milestone for Asia–U. S. air travel. In addition to offering new access to the American Southwest for travelers in Taiwan, it will greatly enhance connectivity to the Arizona capital. With the rivalry between STARLUX and CAL heating up, passengers are likely to enjoy better service, more choices, and more seamless connections on either side of the Pacific.