May 20, 2025

Mayor Gallego, STARLUX Airlines Announce Phoenix’s First Nonstop Flight to Asia

PHOENIX – Mayor Kate Gallego today announced that STARLUX Airlines intends to begin new nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport.

The service, pending final government approvals, would begin early next year, with three to four flights a week.

This is the first nonstop air service to Asia for Phoenix and Arizona. Gallego shared the news in her annual State of the City Address. This announcement comes on the heels of the United States largest foreign direct investment ever with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s plans to invest $165 billion into its Phoenix facilities.

“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.”

STARLUX Airlines was founded by legendary visionary Captain Kuo-Wei (K.W.) Chang who was the former chairman of EVA Air. In 2018, he launched STARLUX Airlines, his ultimate vision of a five-star airline rivaling the best in the world. With handpicked aircraft and a relentless focus on luxury, STARLUX took off in 2020 and has been redefining premium air travel ever since.

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

Phoenix international flights add more than $3 billion to the local economy each year per the Airport’s most recent economic impact study. This service alone is estimated to have a $100 million plus economic impact each year.

"I am thrilled that STARLUX Airlines has chosen Phoenix Sky Harbor as its newest destination," Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. "This significant win for Phoenix and our entire region is a testament to the vision and dedication of Mayor Gallego and our City Council as they support the continued growth and modernization of our airport to serve as a top-tier international gateway."

Service will initially begin with an A350-900 aircraft that has 306 seats. Tickets will go on sale once government approval is formalized.

For more information on all the destinations available to travel to from Phoenix, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/flights/where-we-fly/

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport^®, has an annual economic impact of more than $44 billion. On an average day, approximately 1,000 aircraft and more than 130,000 passengers arrive at and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor every day. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.

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