Phoenix welcomes China Airlines’ first nonstop service to Taipei

Phoenix officials and airline executives on Wednesday celebrated the inaugural China Airlines nonstop flight from Taipei to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, calling the new link a milestone for travel and trade.

“China Airlines' launch of this three‑times‑weekly nonstop service to Taipei marks a significant first for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport,” said Councilman Kevin Robinson, who joined the inaugural flight. Council statements and airport officials said the year‑round route will support tourism and trade; Robinson and Aviation Director Chad Makovsky highlighted the flight’s connection to Taiwan’s technology sector, noting Taipei’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The airport’s aviation director, Chad Makovsky, told the crowd the service has been years in the making and framed it as an economic opportunity. Officials estimated the route’s annual economic impact at roughly $100 million and noted passenger demand has risen sharply: “Passenger traffic between Phoenix and Taipei has surged by more than 400% since 2019,” the director said, citing airport data presented at the event.

Speakers including Taiwan’s U.S. representative and China Airlines executives underlined business and cultural ties. Ambassador Alexander Yu described Phoenix as a “portal to Asia” and said the nonstop link both eases family travel and strengthens economic partnerships. China Airlines Chairman George Kao said the route expands the carrier’s North American network and expects the airline’s network to provide connections across Asia and the western U.S.

Local partners noted Southwest Airlines will facilitate domestic connections for international customers arriving at Sky Harbor beginning in January, offering transfers to roughly 40 U.S. cities.

The ribbon‑cutting included public‑private partners and federal agency representatives. Aviation officials said they expect the Taipei route to improve business travel and visitor flows and to complement regional efforts to recruit technology investment and workforce development.

City officials said the arrival is part of a broader strategy to position Phoenix as a global hub for trade and tourism and to strengthen links with Asia’s technology and manufacturing clusters.

The airport and airline did not announce immediate schedule expansions beyond the three weekly frequencies; officials said they will monitor demand and adjust service in consultation with carriers.