Starlux Airlines has announced a major expansion of its U.S. network, revealing that it will launch the first-ever nonstop flight between Asia and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on January 15, 2026. This new route, operated with the advanced Airbus A350-900, marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the city of Phoenix, opening direct links between Taiwan and the American Southwest for the first time.
The new service is part of Starlux Airlines’ ongoing push to grow its presence in the United States 🇺🇸, following recent launches in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario. The airline’s decision to add Phoenix as its fifth U.S. destination reflects both the city’s growing economic importance and the increasing demand for direct connections between Asia and the Southwest.
Key Details of the Phoenix Launch
Starlux Airlines will operate the Taipei (TPE) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) route three times a week, using the Airbus A350-900. The aircraft features 306 seats, including four in First Class, 26 in Business, 36 in Premium Economy, and 240 in Economy. Flights will depart Taipei at 8:45 PM and arrive in Phoenix at 5:40 PM on the same day. The return flight leaves Phoenix at 10:45 PM and lands in Taipei at 4:55 AM two days later, covering a distance of 7,401 miles (11,910 kilometers)—the longest route in Starlux’s network.
This new service is not just a milestone for Starlux Airlines; it is also a first for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which has never before had a nonstop flight to Asia. The move is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers, especially those connected to Arizona’s booming semiconductor industry and the large Asian diaspora in the region.
Why Phoenix?
The choice of Phoenix as a new destination is strategic. Arizona has become a major hub for the semiconductor industry, attracting global companies and skilled workers from around the world. Direct flights to Taipei will make it easier for business travelers, engineers, and executives to move between the United States 🇺🇸 and Asia, supporting both economic growth and international partnerships.
Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines, explained the importance of this expansion: “The U.S. market is key to our growth strategy. By adding Phoenix, we’re not only connecting two important economies, but also making it easier for families and businesses to stay connected across the Pacific.”
Supporting Details and Broader Expansion
The Phoenix route is just one part of a larger expansion plan. Starlux Airlines will also begin service to Ontario, California, on June 2, 2025. This route, also operated by the Airbus A350-900, will run four times a week and provide another alternative for travelers in Southern California who want to avoid the crowds at Los Angeles International Airport.
In addition to new routes, Starlux Airlines is expanding its partnership with Alaska Airlines, allowing passengers to book seamless connections from Starlux’s U.S. gateways to eight more cities, including Salt Lake City, Portland, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Phoenix, and San Diego. This codeshare agreement makes it easier for travelers to reach their final destinations within the United States 🇺🇸 and to earn and redeem miles across both airlines.
Fleet Growth and Future Plans
Starlux Airlines is investing heavily in its fleet to support this rapid expansion. The airline expects to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 by the end of 2025 and has increased its total order to 18 of these long-range aircraft. By 2027, Starlux plans to operate 48 passenger planes, with a focus on widebody jets for long-haul flights.
This fleet growth will enable the airline to consider new destinations in both the United States 🇺🇸 and Europe. According to company officials, cities like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD), Dallas (DFW), and Houston (IAH) are under review for future service. The airline is also planning to launch its first European route, likely to Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮, in 2026.
Customer Benefits and Policy Changes
Starlux Airlines is introducing several customer-friendly policies to attract more travelers. For the summer of 2025, the airline will offer a free change policy for tickets from the United States 🇺🇸 to Asia, valid from June 2 to August 15. This means eligible tickets can be changed without a reissue fee, though other fees (such as refunds, no-shows, name changes, or ticketing services) may still apply. This policy is designed to give travelers more flexibility during the busy summer travel season.
For those booking through travel agencies, a $50 service fee will apply if the ticket is reissued via Starlux. The airline’s COSMILE mileage program allows passengers to earn and redeem miles on both Starlux and Alaska Airlines flights, adding further value for frequent travelers.
Booking and Travel: Step-by-Step Guide
Travelers interested in flying with Starlux Airlines can book their flights directly through the official Starlux Airlines website or mobile app. Codeshare connections with Alaska Airlines are available for those needing to reach other cities within the United States 🇺🇸. For ticket changes, especially during the summer 2025 free change period, customers can contact Starlux’s U.S. customer service through the website or at airport ticket counters.
The airline’s COSMILE program offers additional benefits, including mileage accrual and redemption on both Starlux and Alaska Airlines flights. Details and enrollment information are available on the official website.
Industry and Community Impact
The launch of the Taipei–Phoenix route is expected to have a significant impact on both the local economy and the broader aviation industry. For travelers, the new service provides the first direct link between Asia and the Southwest, making it easier for businesspeople, tourists, and families to travel between the two regions.
For Arizona’s technology and semiconductor sectors, the direct connection to Taipei is a major advantage. It will help companies attract international talent, support global supply chains, and strengthen business relationships with partners in Asia. As reported by VisaVerge.com, industry observers believe the new route will stimulate local economic growth and encourage other airlines to consider similar expansions.
Aviation analysts note that Starlux Airlines’ focus on premium service and underserved U.S. markets sets it apart from competitors. The introduction of first-class cabins on the Airbus A350-900 and the upcoming A350-1000 reflects the airline’s commitment to providing a high-quality experience for both business and leisure travelers.
Multiple Perspectives: Travelers, Business, and Competition
Travelers in Arizona and the broader Southwest welcome the new option for direct flights to Asia, especially from a city that has previously lacked such connections. The convenience of flying nonstop from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Taipei will save time and reduce the need for layovers in other cities.
The business community, particularly in the tech and semiconductor industries, sees the new route as a game-changer. Direct flights make it easier to manage international operations, attend meetings, and move skilled workers between the United States 🇺🇸 and Asia. This is especially important as Arizona continues to attract major investments from global technology companies.
Other airlines are likely to watch Starlux’s expansion closely. The addition of new routes and premium services increases competition on transpacific flights, especially for business travelers who value comfort and convenience. Competitors may respond by adding new routes or increasing the frequency of existing services to maintain their share of the market.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Starlux Airlines launched its first U.S. route to Los Angeles in 2023, followed by San Francisco and Seattle. The addition of Ontario and Phoenix represents a shift toward serving secondary U.S. markets with strong business and family ties to Asia. This approach allows the airline to tap into new sources of demand and avoid the intense competition found at larger, coastal airports.
The airline’s rapid fleet expansion is central to its global ambitions. With more widebody aircraft on the way, Starlux is well-positioned to add new destinations in both the United States 🇺🇸 and Europe. The planned launch of service to Helsinki in 2026 will mark the airline’s entry into the European market, further expanding its international reach.
Practical Implications for Travelers
For travelers, the new routes mean more choices and greater convenience. The Phoenix service provides the first direct link between Asia and the Southwest, making it easier for people to visit family, conduct business, or explore new destinations. The Ontario route offers an alternative to the busy Los Angeles airport, with premium service and flexible ticketing options.
The expanded codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines allows passengers to book seamless connections to cities across the United States 🇺🇸, making it easier to reach smaller markets that may not have direct international service. The COSMILE mileage program adds further value, allowing travelers to earn and redeem miles on both airlines.
How to Book and What to Expect
Booking a flight with Starlux Airlines is straightforward. Travelers can visit the Starlux Airlines official website to search for flights, check schedules, and manage their bookings. The website also provides information about the COSMILE mileage program, customer service contacts, and details about the airline’s fleet and routes.
During the summer of 2025, travelers can take advantage of the free change policy for tickets from the United States 🇺🇸 to Asia. This policy gives passengers more flexibility to adjust their travel plans without worrying about reissue fees, though other charges may still apply.
For those needing assistance, Starlux offers customer support through its website and at airport ticket counters. The airline’s partnership with Alaska Airlines means that travelers can book connecting flights to a wide range of U.S. cities, all on a single ticket.
Official Resources and Further Information
Travelers and industry professionals seeking more information about Starlux Airlines’ routes, policies, and services can visit the official Starlux Airlines website. For details about international travel requirements, including visas and entry rules for the United States 🇺🇸, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website provides authoritative guidance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Starlux Airlines
With the delivery of new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and the opening of new routes, Starlux Airlines is poised for continued growth in the coming years. The airline’s focus on premium service, strategic partnerships, and underserved markets positions it as a rising player in the transpacific travel market.
As the airline adds more destinations in the United States 🇺🇸 and Europe, travelers can expect even more options for direct, comfortable, and efficient long-haul flights. The success of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport route will likely influence future expansion decisions, both for Starlux and for other carriers considering similar moves.
Actionable Takeaways for Travelers and Businesses
- Check Starlux’s website for the latest schedules, booking options, and policy updates.
- Consider the new Phoenix route if you need direct access between Asia and the Southwest United States 🇺🇸, especially for business or family travel.
- Take advantage of the free change policy during summer 2025 for added flexibility.
- Explore codeshare options with Alaska Airlines for seamless connections across the United States 🇺🇸.
- Monitor future announcements as Starlux continues to expand its network and fleet.
Starlux Airlines’ expansion, highlighted by the new Airbus A350-900 service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, signals a new era of connectivity between Asia and the American Southwest. Whether you’re a business traveler, a tourist, or someone visiting family, these new routes offer more choices and greater convenience than ever before.
Learn Today
Airbus A350-900 → A widebody aircraft used by Starlux for long-haul flights with 306 seats in multiple classes.
Code-share Agreement → A partnership allowing airlines to share flights and ticketing, improving connectivity and travel convenience.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport → Major airport in Phoenix, Arizona, hosting Starlux’s first nonstop Asia connection starting 2026.
COSMILE → Starlux’s frequent flyer program enabling earning and redeeming miles on Starlux and Alaska Airlines.
Nonstop Flight → An air service flying directly between two airports without scheduled stops or layovers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starlux Airlines introduces the first nonstop Taipei to Phoenix flight starting January 2026, expanding US presence. The Airbus A350-900 route boosts business and tourism ties between Asia and the Southwest while enhancing traveler convenience through codeshares and flexible ticket policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
