TAIPEI — China Airlines (CI) has inaugurated its long-anticipated nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Phoenix (PHX), marking the first nonstop link between Arizona and Asia. The debut flight arrived to a formal welcome from city officials and China Airlines leadership, underscoring the strategic significance of connecting one of Asia’s major hubs with the rapidly expanding Phoenix metro area.
The new service operates three times weekly—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using the Airbus A350-900 configured with 32 Business Class suites, 31 Premium Economy seats, and 243 Economy seats. Flights arrive in Phoenix at 13:35 and depart at 16:00 for a 15h20m westbound transpacific sector.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego called the launch a “long-term goal met,” emphasizing the economic and cultural ties growing between Phoenix and Taipei. China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang, who traveled on the inaugural flight, noted that the first flight was fully booked and represents “a new chapter” for the carrier’s North American network.
The TPE–PHX route becomes Phoenix’s third long-haul international service, complementing transatlantic flights to London and Paris. According to Sky Harbor’s economic impact study, international air service generates over $3.4 billion annually for the region.
More information on Phoenix's nonstop destinations is available at Sky Harbor’s official route map.
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