China Airlines launched direct service between Taipei and Phoenix on Wednesday, positioning itself as the first Asian carrier to connect the region with Arizona’s fast-growing chip manufacturing corridor.
The inaugural flight departed Taoyuan International Airport at full capacity, according to Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang, who was aboard the A350-900 aircraft. Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai and American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene attended a gate ceremony marking the occasion.
The route cuts travel time to approximately 12 hours, eliminating roughly six hours of connections. Flights will operate three times weekly.
Phoenix has emerged as a strategic destination for Taiwanese carriers following Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s massive Arizona expansion. TSMC has committed $165 billion to build six fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities and a research center in the region — the largest foreign direct investment in a U.S. greenfield project on record.
China Airlines joins a rush of Taiwanese airlines targeting North America. EVA Air began Dallas service in October, while Starlux Airlines plans to inaugurate its own Phoenix route in January. Industry data suggests 65% of Southeast Asian travelers now route through regional hubs to reach North American destinations.
Phoenix marks the carrier’s seventh North American gateway, adding to an existing network that includes Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.
