In an interesting move, STARLUX Airlines is planning to launch a new route between Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The service, pending final government approvals, would begin early next year, with three to four flights a week. The exact dates have not been disclosed at the time of writing.
When it starts opertions, it will be the flight will be the first flight to connect between Asia and Phoenix.
Service will initially begin with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft that has 306 seats (Configured as 4 First Class, 26 Business Class, 36 Premium Economy, and 240 Economy Class seats).
Tickets will go on sale once government approval is formalised.
This announcement comes after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to invest $165 billion into its Phoenix facilities.
This service alone is estimated to have a $100 million-plus economic impact each year, with international trafficking adding more than $3 billion according to the e Airport’s most recent economic impact study.
In Quotes
Announcing the route, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said
“Phoenix’s first non-stop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we’ve made with our local economy, and our emergence as an international city,”
“TSMC’s historic investment in Phoenix has brought thousands of high wage jobs and boosted our reputation as a semiconductor hub, and now it’s helping increase air service demand.”
Kuo-Wei Chang, Chairman of STARLUX Airlines, said:
“I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that STARLUX should make the investment to fly here. Not only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it’s a perfect match for our level of service. We are proud and honored to be the first carrier to provide nonstop Asia service for the Phoenix community,”
Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, said.
“I am thrilled that STARLUX Airlines has chosen Phoenix Sky Harbor as its newest destination,”
“This significant win for Phoenix and our entire region is a testament to the vision and dedication of Mayor Gallego and our City Council as they support the continued growth and modernization of our airport to serve as a top-tier international gateway.”
A new market
Phoenix will represent a new market, along with the traffic and diaspora that uses connections between Phoenix and Taiwan. It’s also a destination that none of the other Taiwanese airlines have set foot in yet (China Airlines and EVA Air).
Currently, passengers have to travel to the West Coast of the USA, then connect onto domestic flights to Phoenix for onward connections.
With time being money, having that direct link between the two cities could be valuable, especially for TMSC.
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