STARLUX Airlines Launches Phoenix–Taipei Nonstop Service, Connecting the U.S. Southwest to Asia for the First Time
Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines officially marked a historic expansion of transpacific air travel today as it inaugurated nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix, bringing the American Southwest its first-ever direct link to Asia. The new route establishes Phoenix as STARLUX’s fifth destination in the United States—joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California—and represents a major milestone for the city, the region, and the airline’s growing North American network.
The inaugural arrival, Flight JX026, touched down at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at 17:40, receiving a ceremonial water arch salute to commemorate the occasion. Following the arrival, airline executives, city officials, and aviation partners gathered for a launch celebration ahead of the aircraft’s return journey. The outbound flight, JX025, departed Phoenix for Taipei at 22:45, officially opening a new chapter in cross-Pacific connectivity.
A Strategic Expansion for STARLUX Airlines
The launch of the Phoenix–Taipei route underscores STARLUX Airlines’ strategic focus on serving premium international markets while expanding access beyond traditional coastal gateways. By entering Phoenix—one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States—STARLUX is tapping into a region with rising demand for international travel, strong economic momentum, and increasing ties to Asia.
Today, STARLUX delivers our promise to Phoenix,” said Glenn Chai, Chief Executive Officer of STARLUX Airlines. We are truly grateful and proud to realize this vision. Phoenix represents a vibrant and fast-growing market with tremendous business and tourism potential. Today’s launch reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to strengthening travel and trade links between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”
The Phoenix route marks STARLUX’s first destination in the American Southwest, expanding the airline’s U.S. footprint beyond the West Coast while reinforcing its ambition to become a leading premium transpacific carrier.
A Landmark Moment for Phoenix and Arizona
For Phoenix, the launch of nonstop service to Asia represents a transformative moment in the city’s aviation and economic history. Prior to STARLUX’s commitment, Phoenix stood as the only major U.S. city without direct air service to Asia, despite its size, economic output, and growing global presence.
This is a milestone event for the City of Phoenix,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “STARLUX was the first to commit to ending Phoenix being the only major American city without non-stop service to and from Asia. 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.”
Mayor Gallego emphasized that the route strengthens Phoenix’s role on the global stage, particularly in relation to Asia’s dynamic economies.
It further strengthens Phoenix’s position as a global city and builds upon our partnership with one of Asia’s most dynamic and vital economies,” she said. “We’re grateful to STARLUX and its leadership for their investment, confidence, and commitment to our community. Their presence in Phoenix helps bring jobs, economic growth, and a brighter future for all who call our city home.”
Expanding Asia Access from Phoenix Sky Harbor
Airport leadership echoed the significance of the new service, highlighting its benefits for travelers, businesses, and the broader Arizona economy.
We’re excited to welcome STARLUX to Phoenix Sky Harbor,” said Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director and CEO of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “This new Phoenix–Taipei route provides our travelers with the much-desired service to Asia. It not only offers travelers a chance to explore Taiwan, but to experience the entire Asia region.”
Makovsky noted that the route is expected to generate tangible economic benefits, including job creation, tourism growth, and expanded international opportunities for Arizona-based companies.
This new route also supports jobs, brings further economic benefits, and creates new opportunities for our airport and all of Arizona,” he said. “STARLUX was the first airline to commit to nonstop service between Taiwan and Phoenix, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership, investment, and commitment to bringing this important service to our region.”
Strengthening Transpacific Connectivity Through Partnerships
A key factor in the success of the new Phoenix–Taipei route is STARLUX’s partnership with American Airlines, which significantly expands the reach of the service beyond Phoenix. Through this collaboration, travelers from more than 40 U.S. cities can connect via Phoenix to Taipei and onward to 26 destinations across Asia, creating a seamless transpacific travel experience.
The partnership enables coordinated schedules, streamlined connections, and reciprocal benefits, offering passengers enhanced convenience while maintaining STARLUX’s hallmark standards of comfort, service, and onboard quality. From Taipei, travelers gain access to major destinations across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, making Phoenix a new gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.
This alliance-driven connectivity also strengthens Phoenix’s role as a strategic hub, linking domestic U.S. markets with Asia through a single, efficient transfer point.
A Premium Travel Experience
As a luxury carrier, STARLUX Airlines is known for its emphasis on premium service, modern aircraft, and attention to detail. The Phoenix–Taipei route reflects this commitment, offering travelers a refined long-haul experience designed to appeal to both business and leisure passengers.
By combining high-end service with expanded connectivity, STARLUX aims to attract travelers seeking comfort, reliability, and a differentiated flying experience—particularly on long transpacific journeys.
Celebrating the Inaugural Flight
To mark the occasion, STARLUX hosted an inaugural ceremony shortly after Flight JX026’s arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting, the exchange of commemorative aircraft models, and light refreshments, symbolizing the beginning of a long-term partnership between the airline, the city, and the airport.
The ceremony brought together leaders from across aviation, government, and industry, reflecting the collaborative effort behind the launch. Speakers included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport CEO Chad Makovsky, American Airlines Managing Director of Alliances Jeff Ogar, Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Partnerships & International Alex Judson, and STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai.
Each speaker emphasized the broader significance of the route—not only as a new air service, but as a bridge connecting cultures, economies, and communities across the Pacific.
Economic, Cultural, and Trade Impacts
Beyond passenger travel, the Phoenix–Taipei route is expected to play a vital role in strengthening trade and investment ties between Arizona and Taiwan. Taiwan is a key player in global manufacturing, technology, and innovation, and direct air service enhances opportunities for collaboration, supply chain efficiency, and business development.
Tourism is also expected to benefit, with easier access encouraging travel in both directions. Taiwanese travelers gain a direct gateway to the American Southwest, while U.S. travelers can more easily explore Taiwan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
A New Gateway Between the Southwest and Asia
With the launch of Phoenix–Taipei nonstop service, STARLUX Airlines has redefined Phoenix’s place in global aviation networks. The route not only expands the airline’s U.S. presence but also delivers long-sought international connectivity to one of America’s fastest-growing regions.
As STARLUX continues to build its North American network, the Phoenix route stands as a symbol of the airline’s long-term vision: connecting emerging global cities with Asia through premium service, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to innovation.
For Phoenix, Arizona, and the broader U.S. Southwest, the arrival of STARLUX Airlines marks the beginning of a new era—one in which the desert and the ocean are linked by a direct bridge across the Pacific.
Source link: https://www.businesswire.com