In a development that stands to bolster Phoenix's growing international stature, STARLUX Airlines has announced plans to launch the first nonstop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Taoyuan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan, according to a statement released by the City of Phoenix and reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The anticipated service is awaiting the green light from governmental bodies and, once approved, is scheduled to start operations early next year with a frequency of three to four flights per week, as per information shared in Sky Harbor's press release. Mayor Kate Gallego has tied this development closely with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's massive $165 billion investment in the city, citing the economic momentum and job creation as springboards for increased air service demand.
Founded by Captain Kuo-Wei Chang, STARLUX Airlines is potentially carving a new passage for travelers and business between Phoenix and Taipei. As stated on their website, the company initially revealed plans for its inception in 2016 and has since taken to the skies with its maiden voyage taking place in January 2020 after securing the necessary certificates from Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration in the previous year. Chang expressed his endorsement for Phoenix, remarking, "Not only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it's a perfect match for our level of service," in an announcement picked up by Sky Harbor's news release.
The introduction of this route marks a significant milestone, as Phoenix has not had nonstop service to Asia previously. However, this isn't the city's first dance with international flights to the continent, with America West Airlines having provided similar services that included a leg between Phoenix and Nagoya, Japan, through Honolulu, which were later discontinued in the 1990s, according to a historical note from Sky Harbor Airport mentioned by FOX 10 Phoenix. The flights are set to operate using an A350-900 aircraft, configured with 306 seats, and ticketing will commence following the formalization of government approvals.
STARLUX's routes are not the only international connections at Phoenix Sky Harbor; the airport's website details nonstop services to various destinations including cities in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and France, asserting its role as a rather comprehensive hub for global air travel. With the anticipated inclusion of Taipei, Phoenix is bracing for an additional economic uplift, projected at over $100 million annually from this new air route alone.
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