China Airlines to Potentially Add Phoenix to Taipei Flights
Phoenix may soon have another direct flight to Asia, as China Airlines is considering adding Phoenix as one of its destinations. This news comes after Starlux Airlines announced a similar route, set to begin in 2026.
The interest in adding new flights to Phoenix is linked to the city’s growing semiconductor industry. The industry, anchored by the massive Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing plant in north Phoenix, has seen a significant increase in travel between Phoenix and Taipei over the last five years. In fact, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stated that travel between the two cities has increased fivefold during this time period.
China Airlines officials discussed their plans at a recent event in New York City, where they announced their expansion to JFK Airport’s New Terminal One. During this event, China Airlines President Chen Han-Ming mentioned Phoenix, along with Boston and Washington, D. C. , as potential destinations for the airline’s expansion.
However, before adding flights to these new destinations, China Airlines plans to increase its flights out of JFK Airport, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Like Starlux, whose nonstop Phoenix-Taiwan flight is set to begin in 2026, China Airlines’ main hub is Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei.
It’s worth noting that China Airlines has some history with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The airline previously operated chartered flights between Phoenix and Taipei for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. , which was used to transport employees to its Arizona plant and fly U. S. residents back home after training in Taiwan.
To support its expansion plans, China Airlines has recently ordered 55 new passenger jets. These include 18 Boeing 787-9 jets, 11 Airbus A321neo jets, 10 Airbus A350-1000 jets, 10 Boeing 777-9 jets, and 6 Boeing 787-10 jets. These types of planes are commonly used for international flights, such as British Airways’ Phoenix-London route and TSMC’s chartered China Airlines flights between Taiwan and Phoenix.
In addition, China Airlines has announced a partnership with Southwest Airlines to offer connections between more than 30 cities and its hubs in Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Ontario, California. This partnership comes as Southwest Airlines is exploring the possibility of expanding its international service.
It’s important to note that China Airlines is owned by Taiwan, not China. It is one of three major airlines based in Taiwan, along with Starlux and EVA Air.
In conclusion, it’s an exciting time for Phoenix travelers as more direct flights to Asia are being considered. With the potential addition of China Airlines’ flights to Taipei, Phoenix will have even more options for international travel.