China Airlines (CAL), a major international airline based in Taiwan, has recently launched its first flight to Phoenix, Arizona. This marks the seventh destination in North America for the airline.

The inaugural flight, CI036, departed from Taoyuan International Airport at 4:31 p. m. on Wednesday, just one minute behind schedule. It used a nearly full A350-900 aircraft. The ceremony was presided over by CAL Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang and attended by Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai and American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene.

According to CAL, flights between Taipei and Phoenix will operate three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flights will depart from Taipei at 4:30 p. m. and arrive in Phoenix at 1:35 p. m. local time on the same day. The return flights will depart from Phoenix at 4 p. m. and arrive in Taipei at 10:20 p. m. the following day.

The new direct route has a flight time of approximately 12 hours, saving passengers six hours of travel time compared to a transfer route. This is good news for travelers, especially those from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). The company has invested US$650 billion in its chip manufacturing operations in Phoenix, bringing in a large number of Taiwanese workers and their families. The demand for a direct route between Taiwan and Phoenix is largely due to their presence in the city.

Phoenix is now the seventh destination in North America for CAL, joining Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Ontario, and Vancouver. It is also the airline’s first destination in the American Southwest region.

This new route is an exciting development for CAL and will provide more convenient travel options for passengers. The airline is known for its high-quality service and modern fleet, including the A350-900 used for the inaugural flight. With this new addition, CAL continues to expand its network and provide excellent travel experiences for its customers.

In conclusion, CAL’s new direct route between Taipei and Phoenix is a significant milestone for the airline, as it expands its reach in North America. It will benefit both business and leisure travelers, making it easier and faster to travel between the two cities. With its impressive service and modern aircraft, CAL is sure to be a popular choice for those flying to and from Phoenix.