Plans revealed for 1st nonstop service between Phoenix and Asia

PHOENIX – In a sign that Arizona’s booming semiconductor industry is impacting the state’s travel sector, officials revealed plans Tuesday for the first nonstop service between Phoenix and Asia.

STARLUX Airlines aims to launch flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport early next year.

“I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that STARLUX should make the investment to fly here,” STARLUX Chairman K.W. Chang said in a press release. “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.”

STARLUX is a Taiwanese full-service carrier that started flying in 2020.

TSMC cited as factor for flights between Phoenix and Asia

Mayor Kate Gallego broke the flight news during her State of the City address. She cited the impact of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s multibillion-dollar chipmaking operations in north Phoenix as a factor.

“Phoenix’s first nonstop 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.”

Ticket sales won’t start until the route between Phoenix and Asia receives final government approvals.

The initial plans call for flights three or four times a week aboard a 306-seat A350-900 aircraft.

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