Phoenix Sky Harbor gate launch celebration marks new nonstop service connecting travelers to Taipei and Asian destinations through STARLUX-American Airlines Partnership

Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines touched down today in the Valley of the Sun, inaugurating its highly anticipated nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix. The new route marks Phoenix as STARLUX’s fifth U.S. destination—after Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California—and its first in the American Southwest.

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Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines touched down today in the Valley of the Sun, inaugurating its highly anticipated nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix.

Flight JX026 arrived at 17:40 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to a water arch salute, followed by a launch celebration before the return flight, JX025, departed for Taipei at 22:45.

“Today, STARLUX delivers our promise to Phoenix,” said Glenn Chai, Chief Executive Officer of STARLUX Airlines. “We are truly grateful and proud to realize this vision. Phoenix represents a vibrant and fast-growing market with tremendous business and tourism potential. Today’s launch reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to strengthening travel and trade links ties between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

A Milestone for Phoenix

“This is a milestone event for the City of Phoenix,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “STARLUX was the first to commit to ending Phoenix being the only major American city without non-stop service to and from Asia. STARLUX’s new service between Phoenix and Taipei opens the door to expanded tourism, stronger business relationships, and new opportunities for companies looking to invest in our fast-growing and vibrant region. It further strengthens Phoenix’s position as a global city and builds upon our partnership with one of Asia’s most dynamic and vital economies. We’re grateful to STARLUX and its leadership for their investment, confidence, and commitment to our community. Their presence in Phoenix helps bring jobs, economic growth, and a brighter future for all who call our city home.”

“We’re excited to welcome STARLUX to Phoenix Sky Harbor,” added Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “This new Phoenix-Taipei route provides our travelers with the much-desired service to Asia. It not only offers travelers a chance to explore Taiwan, but to experience the entire Asia region. This new route also supports jobs, brings further economic benefits, and creates new opportunities for our airport and all of Arizona. STARLUX was the first airline to commit to nonstop service between Taiwan and Phoenix, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership, investment, and commitment to bringing this important service to our region.”

STARLUX and American Airlines – Enhanced Transpacific Travel

Through its partnership with American Airlines, STARLUX connects travelers from more than 40 U.S. cities via Phoenix to Taipei, and onward to 26 Asian destinations. This partnership enhances transpacific travel options, providing coordinated schedules and a seamless journey with the high level of comfort and service STARLUX is known for.

Inaugural Celebration at Phoenix Sky Harbor

To commemorate the launch, STARLUX held an inaugural ceremony shortly after Flight JX026’s arrival. The event featured a ribbon-cutting, a commemorative aircraft model exchange, and light refreshments, highlighting the start of an exciting new chapter in the airline’s U.S. expansion.

Speakers included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport CEO Chad Makovsky; American Airlines Managing Director of Alliances Jeff Ogar; Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Partnerships & International Alex Judson; and STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai. The speakers underscored the route’s significance in strengthening cultural, economic, and aviation ties between Phoenix and Taiwan, and highlighted their shared commitment to providing travelers with greater connectivity, premium service, innovation, and expanded opportunities for cross-Pacific exchange. STARLUX operates the Phoenix-Taipei route three times weekly--Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays--using its next-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Here is the schedule:

Note: Please refer to the STARLUX Airlines official website for the latest schedule and related information.

About STARLUX Airlines

Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, Taiwan-based STARLUX is a boutique international airline serving a total of 31 destinations across the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. STARLUX passengers traveling between North America and Asia are able to enjoy an easy transfer in Taipei with its five US destinations: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, California, and Phoenix. Recognized globally for its excellence, STARLUX has been awarded Skytrax 5-Star Airline status, earned the APEX Five Star Global Airline Awards, and received a 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating from AirlineRatings. STARLUX prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience. For more information, visit https://www.starlux-airlines.com/en-US, or on our US social channels Facebook and Instagram.

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