Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines launched its direct flight between Taipei and Phoenix, Arizona on 16/1. This new route establishes Phoenix as Starlux's fifth US destination, after Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario (California), and marks its first foray into the Southwest US.
Starlux, through its partnership with American Airlines, now connects passengers from over 40 US cities via Phoenix to Taipei, with onward connections to 26 destinations across Asia. This collaboration optimizes flight schedules, providing a seamless travel experience with consistent service and amenities.
The inaugural flight, JX026, landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at 17:40 on 16/1 (Vietnam time). It was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, followed by an opening ceremony at the departure gate. Later that day, the return flight, JX025, departed from Phoenix for Taipei at 22:45 (Vietnam time).
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Starlux's first flight landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Photo: Starlux
The Phoenix-Taipei route will operate three times per week, on tuesday, thursday, and sunday, utilizing the new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The specific schedule is: flight JX025 from Phoenix to Taipei departs at 22:45, and the return flight JX026 departs at 20:45 (all times local).
To commemorate the route's launch, Starlux hosted an inaugural ceremony. This event featured a ribbon-cutting, an exchange of souvenir aircraft models, and refreshments, marking a new chapter in the airline's US network expansion strategy.
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Passengers participated in various activities on the opening day. Photo: Starlux
Mr. Glenn Chai, Chief Executive Officer of Starlux Airlines, spoke at the event, highlighting Phoenix as a dynamic, rapidly growing market with substantial potential for commerce and tourism. He emphasized that the route's launch reflects Starlux's vision for the region and its commitment to strengthening travel and trade connections between the Southwest US, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
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Ms. Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, at the inauguration event. Photo: Starlux
Ms. Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, underscored that the Phoenix-Taipei route facilitates tourism, strengthens trade relations, and generates new opportunities for businesses looking to invest in the area. She added that this new route reinforces Phoenix's standing as a global city and bolsters cooperation with one of Asia's most dynamic economies.
Mr. Chad Makovsky, Director of Aviation at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, added that the new route will create jobs, deliver economic benefits, and unlock new opportunities for both Phoenix Airport and the state of Arizona.
Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines currently serves 31 destinations, including locations in the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. Passengers flying between North America and Asia can conveniently connect in Taipei to five US destinations: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario (California), and Phoenix.
The airline has earned multiple accolades, including the Skytrax 5-star airline rating, APEX Five Star Global Airline Awards, and a 7-Star PLUS safety rating from AirlineRatings.
(Source: Starlux Airlines)
