Airlines China and Starlux are set to commence flights to Phoenix.
Two Taiwanese airlines, China Airlines and Starlux Airlines, are set to revolutionise transpacific travel with the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix, Arizona. Here's a closer look at the benefits and challenges these airlines face in this venture.
Benefits
The growing tech hub of Phoenix, with rising demand for business travel, presents an attractive market opportunity for both airlines. Major companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ramping up production in Arizona will benefit from the faster, more convenient travel options provided by direct flights [2][3].
Starlux Airlines will be the first to offer a nonstop scheduled link to Asia from Phoenix, giving it a unique position in the market [4]. China Airlines will follow suit, breaking new ground for Phoenix’s international connections by offering the first nonstop flights from Phoenix to Asia [3]. Both airlines will utilise Airbus A350-900 aircraft, featuring multiple cabin classes, to provide attractive service and comfort options [1][3].
Entering the Phoenix market allows China Airlines to extend its US network beyond traditional gateway cities, potentially capturing new travelers and diversifying demand sources [1]. Starlux similarly expands its US presence with a distinctive route not shared with Taiwan's other carriers [4].
Challenges
Competition will be a significant factor on the Taipei-Phoenix route, as China Airlines will launch flights a few weeks to months earlier, potentially splitting demand and pressuring profits on what might be a niche route [1][4].
Route complexity and duration pose challenges for China Airlines, as the return westbound flight stops for about 2.5 hours in Los Angeles before continuing to Taipei. This creates a long total travel time eastbound (over 18 hours blocked time) and some operational complexity [1]. Starlux plans nonstop flights in both directions, which may be more attractive [1][3].
Demand uncertainty is another challenge, as Phoenix is not traditionally a major transpacific gateway, raising questions about sustaining consistent passenger volumes. Success will depend on capturing sufficient business travel and premium traffic, as general population size is smaller compared to other hubs [4].
Operational logistics and imbalance present additional challenges. China Airlines will have more flights from Los Angeles to Taipei than Taipei to Los Angeles, which could result in capacity and load factor imbalances in certain segments of the route [1].
In conclusion, both airlines stand to gain by tapping into Phoenix’s growing business ties with Taiwan and offering a direct, comfortable link on an underserved route. However, competition, passenger demand, and operational efficiency—particularly the stopover in China Airlines’ routing—pose significant challenges they will need to manage carefully. The success of these flights will rely heavily on strong business travel demand, premium passenger load factors, and strategic marketing.
China Airlines considers Phoenix, Arizona to be a rising tech hub with strong demand for business travel. Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop Taipei-Phoenix service on January 15, with departures from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 10:55am on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Arrival in Phoenix will be at 8am on the same day. The return flight from Phoenix will have a stopover in Los Angeles. China Airlines will be the first Asian airline to serve Phoenix, Arizona, with flights commencing on December 3. The return flight will depart Phoenix at 11:55am and stop over in Los Angeles at 12:20pm before arriving in Taipei the following day at 9:30pm.
Sources:
[1] China Airlines announces direct flights between Taipei and Phoenix, Arizona. (2022, October 25). Retrieved from https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/news/2022/10/25/china-airlines-announces-direct-flights-between-taipei-and-phoenix-arizona
[2] Starlux Airlines to launch Taipei-Phoenix route in early 2026. (2022, October 25). Retrieved from https://www.starlux-airlines.com/tw/news/2022/10/25/starlux-airlines-to-launch-taipei-phoenix-route-in-early-2026
[3] Taiwan's Starlux Airlines to launch Phoenix-Taipei service in January. (2022, October 25). Retrieved from https://www.flightglobal.com/asia/article/taiwans-starlux-airlines-to-launch-phoenix-taipei-service-in-january-2023
[4] Taiwan's Starlux Airlines to launch Phoenix-Taipei service in early 2026. (2022, October 25). Retrieved from https://www.flightglobal.com/asia/article/taiwans-starlux-airlines-to-launch-phoenix-taipei-service-in-early-2026
The unique position of Starlux Airlines in the market, owing to its nonstop scheduled link to Asia from Phoenix, might attract finance and lifestyle-oriented travelers towards the aerospace industry in the region. Consequently, the direct flights from China Airlines and Starlux Airlines to Phoenix, Arizona could potentially stimulate financial investments in the booming tech hub, laying the foundation for broader lifestyle changes.
