Starlux Airlines Adds New A350 Flight to This US Destination and More

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TAIPEI— Starlux Airlines (JX) is preparing to launch a new nonstop long-haul route between Taiwan and Arizona in early 2026, which will serve as a significant milestone for both the airline and the U.S. destination.

Starlux will establish the first-ever continuous link between Asia and Phoenix by operating three weekly flights between Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) starting 15 January 2026, OMAAT reported.

Starlux Airlines Phoenix Flight

China Airlines (CI) and EVA Air (BR) presently do not provide direct flights to Phoenix (PHX), a U.S. city that Starlux Airlines will become the first Taiwanese carrier to serve.

This strategic expansion is indicative of the airline’s confidence in the expanding semiconductor industry in the region, as well as in high-yield traffic and corporate demand.

Starlux Airlines will maintain a consistent schedule, operating the flights three times per week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

The outbound flight, JX26, departs Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at 8:45 PM and arrives at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) at 5:40 PM the same day.

The return flight, JX25, departs Phoenix at 10:45 PM and arrives in Taipei at 4:55 AM two days later, including the time zone difference and flight duration.

This will become the Taiwanese carrier’s longest route, covering a distance of 7,401 miles (11,910 kilometres). The Airbus A350-900 operating this route will accommodate 306 passengers in four classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy).

In addition to Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA), Phoenix has become Starlux’s fifth U.S. destination.

TSMC Planning $165 Billion Investment in Phoenix

The establishment of this new transpacific route coincides with an increase in economic cooperation between Arizona and Taiwan.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is planning $165 billion investment in Phoenix, bringing the U.S. city into the spotlight and surging demand for air connectivity.

Mayor Kate Gallego praised the development and called it clear proof of Phoenix’s rise as a global city and a leader in the semiconductor industry.

Starlux Airlines Chairman K.W. Chang supported the mayor’s view, stating that Phoenix’s strong economy and business ties to Taipei make it a perfect fit for the airline’s premium long-haul services.

Taiwan’s Only Airline to Serve Secondary US Destinations

The new Taipei to Phoenix route showcases Starlux Airlines’ strategy to serve underserved long-haul markets. This approach distinguishes the carrier from its Taiwanese competitors.

China Airlines and EVA Air focus primarily on major international hubs, while Starlux is expanding into secondary U.S. cities that hold growing economic importance for Taiwan. Starlux supports its growth strategy by partnering with Alaska Airlines (AS) and expressing interest in joining the Oneworld alliance.

Looking ahead, Starlux’s connectivity beyond Phoenix may continue to face limitations due to the absence of deeper alliance integration.

Currently, American Airlines (AA) maintains a transpacific joint venture with Japan Airlines (JL), which further complicates potential network expansion through Phoenix. Without such alignment, broader network access for Starlux Airlines through Phoenix could face constraints in the near term.

China Airlines has expressed interest in launching its own Phoenix service by late 2025. However, the carrier may operate an unusual routing, flying nonstop eastbound to Phoenix. There is also to be a stopover at Los Angeles (LAX) on the westbound return leg.

Starlux Airlines Directly Connects Arizona to Asia

Starlux’s direct service between Taipei and Arizona marks a historic accomplishment for the state of Arizona, becoming its first nonstop flight to Asia. It is a symbolic and practical step for Starlux Airlines in its pursuit of becoming a full-scale intercontinental player.

The airline is launching one of its boldest routes yet, backed by premium service and a modern A350 fleet. It is redefining long-haul connectivity between Asia and the U.S. through careful market selection.

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