Wedoany.com Report-Dec.4, China Airlines has officially launched nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), marking Phoenix as the carrier's seventh North American destination and its first in the southwestern United States. The new route reduces travel time to approximately 12 hours, cutting around six hours compared to previous connecting itineraries.

The route is operated by China Airlines' modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The inaugural flight on December 3 departed fully booked. China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang noted that Phoenix serves as an important gateway to the American Southwest and a significant connecting hub. He expressed confidence that the direct service will attract more business and leisure travelers to the region.

Taiwanese professional baseball player Lin Yu-Min, currently playing in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization and sponsored by China Airlines, joined the launch ceremony. A special draw was held during the event, with five passengers receiving baseballs autographed by Lin.

Flights to Phoenix operate three times weekly, departing Taipei every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with return services on the same days. Through interline agreements with Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, and Sun Country Airlines, passengers can continue seamlessly to numerous additional cities across the United States, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Chicago.

Passengers on the inaugural flight enjoyed enhanced onboard dining. All classes departing Taipei were served signature dishes from the Michelin three-star Le Palais restaurant in Taipei, paired with cocktails created by BLAH BLAH Bar. Main course options included Simmered Chicken Porridge with Premium Abalone, Steamed Rice with Chinese Sausage, Chicken and Shiitake, and Surf and Turf Stir-fried Rice, accompanied by Passionfruit Lemon or Oolong Blackcurrant cocktails.

For the first time, China Airlines featured Peet's Coffee onboard, offering the renowned American brand's rich brew to all passengers on the inaugural flight. Starting in 2026, Peet's Coffee will become a standard offering in Premium Business Class and Premium Economy Class across the airline's entire network.

The new Taipei-Phoenix route strengthens direct air links between Taiwan and the United States, providing travelers with greater convenience, reduced journey times, and improved connectivity throughout North America. The service is expected to support growing demand for both business and tourism travel to the rapidly developing southwestern region of the United States.