China Airlines launches first nonstop flight between Phoenix and Asia

PHOENIX — China Airlines launched the first nonstop service between Phoenix and Asia on Wednesday.

The direct flight is between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan.

“Nonstop service to Asia represents a long-term goal that Phoenix and the region have met,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a press release. “This is a vital link, especially with the economic ties that are building between Phoenix and Taipei. It will strengthen international relationships, boost the economy and provide Phoenicians with a critical gateway into Asia.”

Details on China Airlines nonstop flight between Phoenix and Asia

The plane used for the flight is an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which has a capacity of 306 passengers.

The nonstop service takes place three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight will arrive in Phoenix at 1:35 p.m. and then depart from the desert at 4 p.m. before arriving in Taipei 15 hours and 20 minutes later.

The aircraft is separated into a three-class configuration, which consists of 32 business seats, 31 premium economy seats and 243 economy seats.

The business seats are fully adjustable and convert to fully flat beds and the premium economy seats have ergonomic seating with spacious legroom. Meanwhile, the economy seats are standard seating that have access to multiple in-flight entertainment options.

“It is a great honor for me to personally fly on the first nonstop flight from Taipei to Phoenix,” China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang said. “Today’s flight was fully booked, which is a tremendous encouragement for all of us at China Airlines. Today marks another important milestone for our North America network and represents a new chapter for China Airlines in this region. We truly believe in Phoenix’s potential and look forward to building even stronger partnerships here.”

Besides the new nonstop service between Phoenix and Asia, Sky Harbor offers direct flights to more than 140 destinations in the U.S. and internationally. Other international nonstop services that the airport offers include flights from Phoenix to London and Paris.

According to the Phoenix Sky Harbor’s most recent economic impact study, international flights from the airport add more than $3.4 billion to the local economy each year.

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