Taiwan’s Starlux Adds New U.S. Market

Taiwanese startup airline Starlux is poised to add a new route to the U.S. Currently, the carrier – which began operations in 2020 – serves four destinations in America: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Ontario, California, along with Seattle.

On Tuesday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Starlux announced the launch of the first-ever nonstop service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Asia.

Beginning early next year, the carrier will operate flights between Phoenix and Taipei, Taiwan. A launch date for the new route has yet to be determined and is subject to regulatory approvals.

The new service marks a milestone for Phoenix, as it will be the city’s first scheduled nonstop connection to Asia. Starlux will offer the route three times per week on an Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft.

STARLUX Airlines A350-900 business class cabin (Photo: STARLUX Airlines)

Economic Boost

The addition of Starlux’s service is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region. According to city officials, nonstop international flights contribute an estimated $33 million annually to the local economy.

“I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that Starlux should make the investment to fly here. 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,” the airline’s chairman, K.W. Chang, said in a news release.

Phoenix has lately seen a jump in international service. Air France recently launched flights from Paris to the city, and Aeromexico resumed service to Phoenix.

Tickets for the Phoenix-Taipei route will go on sale once government approval is finalized, officials stated.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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